Earth, the icy deserts of Antarctica

The roaring rotors of a lone helicopter echoed over the plains approaching the demolished and burning buildings. Once landed, the rotors ceased and the pilot jumped out. Marcus Brady had returned with several supplies for the research facility in return for last month's core samples. Upon noticing the smoke miles away, he braced himself for some problem, but the closer he had gotten, the more he could see the extent of the destruction. Now, with the helicopter sitting right in the middle of this chaos, he caught a glimpse of this foreign hell the base had been through.

The black and charred corpse lied in the ground, the exoskeleton plates heavily burned and distorted. One part of it looked human, another one looked like it was mixed with an equine or some quadruped. Several flames were still burning in the eye sockets and the open mouth, where fangs extended from the normal human teeth. Nothing in nature could create such a twisted and distorted abomination, far beyond any regular shape. In shock, the pilot shook his head.
“What in God’s name...?”

The biting stench of smoke still lingered in the air. His eyes darted over the still burning buildings, looking around in haste, trying to spot at least one survivor. Something terrible had happened here. Another charred body was lying in the side of one of the buildings, this one large as a truck. Several cans of gasoline rested nearby, also heavily burned as if used as makeshift petrol bombs.
“Hello!!! HELLO!!! CAN ANYBODY HEAR ME?!?” Hidden in the darkness of one of the buildings, a shadow flashed by the windows. Inside several frozen corpses of humans bitten to death or torn to shreds by unknown attackers rested in place like frozen statues giving witness of the gruesome fate the base was struck by. Outside the pilot's calls for survivors were still audible as a perforated hoof stepped closer to one of the windows.

Shortly after a rifle barrel was pointed at the pilot through a broken window and the thundering sound of a shot filled the base, followed by two more. But the shots only hit the snow at his feet and caused the pilot to cower on the ground. A door was kicked open and a human with a hunting rifle approached the pilot. Noticing the coat and the clothes, Marcus Brady held up a hand to sooth the situation.
“It is me! Samantha, IT’S ME! MARCUS!!!”

Narrowing her eyes, she eyed Marcus with a glare, madness in her eyes. She knew of Marcus Brady, but the things she'd seen had taught her paranoia.
“Show me your blood!”

The demand stumped Marcus for a second and in his confusion, he slightly shook his head while slowly attempting to stand up..
“What?”

Tossing over a knife, Samantha Frey pointed her rifle at his head.
“SHUT THE FUCK UP AND SHOW ME THE COLOR OF YOUR BLOOD!!!” Holding up his arms to calm her, the pilot knelt down to take the knife and pricked his own finger. Red blood dropped into the snow. Seeing this, she nodded and let him stand up again, still holding him at bay at gunpoint.

Still shivering from cold and fear, Marcus shook his head.
“What happened here? Samantha, what on Earth happened here???”

In the next moment another door was pushed open and a white coated pony galloped down the alley and away from the base. Not losing a second, Samantha took aim and delivered two further shots before her magazine went empty. Gritting her teeth, she looked after the pony.
“That's not a pony…” Turning around to the Brady, she yelled once more. “MARCUS!!! START THAT HELICOPTER AT ONCE!!!” And as the helicopter flew high over the ground, the hunt for this last ’pony’ began.

* * * * *

Equis, Equestria, Canterlot, three weeks later

The pink magic force field encircled the very top of the tower the royal herd was residing in completely. For weeks now the princesses were absent and were only to be disturbed in case of an emergency. Since this was unprecedented ever since the founding of Equestria, no pony dared to protest. After a thousand years of peaceful rule under Celestia, the nation seemed eager to give the two diarchs a well-deserved break. There were of course nobles who plotted the one or another scheme, yet Prince Shining Armor, Princess Cadance, Captain Dusk Aegis as well as the Royal Guard and the Harmony Ranger Forces kept them in place. Today was the last day of the honey moon and Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor made their way up the stairs to fetch the lovebirds and get them back into reality. Yet a few feet away from the magical orb Cadance came to a halt and blocked the way for her husband.
“I'll take it from here. That spell right here is very potent.”

Shining couldn't but chuckle at this.
“If it's one of yours, the word 'potent' means a lot.”

Cadance giggled, but shook her head.
“Seriously, Shining. I don't want to alarm the guards to get my very own, suddenly sex-crazed husband off my back with a crowbar.”

Shining's chuckle grew dirty now.
“Not that you objected to that during our honey moon. Don't take too long in getting them ready, OK?”

* * * * *

Celestia's throat felt sore, her breath deep and heavy, the smell of semen omnipresent in her mind. The heat in her cheeks didn't end. Being openly 'face-fucked' as Tyler called it in front of the herd was a mixture of shame and paradise. How often did she dream of her own army of stallions pleasing her in these lonely nights in her years of heat. All these dreams were null and void after her husband took such good care of her deepest and darkest desires. To be his plaything, never to be mistreated. He didn't pamper her during sex, she was just a mare, his mare and nothing more. This sexual degradation from a princess everyone bowed to to a mare simply there to please a male and receive the delight of climax... this was Celestia's private little paradise. At one point Luna used an illusion spell bringing an image of surprised and aghast nobles in the throne room.

It didn't take long after that for Celestia to moan like crazy, her flanks shivering and quaking, her eyes wide open and looking up to her husband. She climaxed so hard she almost wet herself. Noticing this, Tyler didn't withhold long and climaxed as well. Gulp after gulp, she drank all of the magically enhanced volume. It came in with such force this time and so rich and thick, she could sense it coming from pulses jetting up the underside of his shaft. Her tongue felt it before it filled her mouth. The ecstasy almost made her lose consciousness. After ten gulps, he was still going and escaped her mouth, splattered her face with his load. But greedy and sex-crazed as she was in this moment, her hooves pulled Tyler in by the hips again. Her one demand was to sate her thirst until he emptied out.

That was an hour ago and now the Princess of the Sun was resting on her side, lying on a big pile of red velvet pillows. Still the semen on her face softened the shades of red in her face. On the other side of the room, Twilight sat and had a cup of tea, although her levitation let the cup shake a bit. There was no word exchanged between the two alicorns, just wordless situation. If glances could speak, Celestia would probably tell how happy and satisfied she was right now. As for Twilight, her glance was that of a mare who was still processing that her one biggest idol had such a normal and sleazy side. A thought that made Twilight speechless, yet on the other hoof also made Celestia that much more likable. Each mare in their herd had her own approach to Tyler. This diversity was healthy for all of them.

As for herself, Tyler had spent a lot of time with the now pregnant young princess, helping out a bit more than usual. More than once Twilight had to remind him that she didn't need that much help.
“I'm pregnant, not helpless!” she sometimes scolded him, causing AJ to chuckle a bit each time. Now that Appleseed was in the care of Granny Smith on the farm for these three weeks, the country mare found great pleasure in seeing that Tyler behaved around Twilight as he behaved around herself while she was pregnant. Yes, his daughters meant the world to him. In the evenings, he often spent hours in giving Twilight relaxing and soft belly rubs, something that caused envious glances from the others, especially Luna.

Seeing that big belly, Luna could hardly hide her envy for the upcoming motherhood, yet refused to let it turn to a harmful kind of envy. This also meant more belly rubs for the rest of the mares, since not one of them wanted to be left behind. And after a long day within their love nest, Celestia and Luna performed a final couple of spells to do their duties as co-rulers before the herd snuggled together into one big pile of care and love. Right now, the herd seemed content with this life, yet both royal sisters knew that this probably would not stay like that forever. It never did.

And truly, on this morning, after a three week honeymoon, the door to the outside opened again and the Princess of Love stepped in, only to find her aunt on a small pile of red pillows, ravished by the things that happened earlier this morning. Stepping closer, Cadance looked down to her big aunt, only for a big wide grin to form on her face.
“You seem quite satiated, Auntie. I guess this new protein diet will do wonders for your physique.”

Stemming herself up, Celestia shook her head and her mane flowed a bit stronger than usual. Gathering her composure, she gave her niece a smiling nod.
“A little self-indulgence shouldn't be that bad once in a while, would it?”

A knowing, almost dirty chuckle escaped Cadance's throat.
“After hundreds of thousands of years? No, no it won't...” Levitating a handkerchief towards her aunt's eyesight, Cadance's grin didn't falter. “Take this, you have some left-overs on your face. Where is Aunt Luna?”

Once the door opened a very young filly version of Luna strolled into the room, her eyes closed, her labia smeared in love juices, a cheerful humming on her lips. She was so lost in her little world, that she didn't notice Cadance standing there until her muzzle bumped into Cadance's chest. Upon looking up, Luna's eyes widened before a sheepish grin formed on her lips.
“C-Cadance! My....” Harrumphing a bit, she tried her best to maintain her composure. “Child! How wonderful of thee to visit us again.”

A knowing smirk formed on the pink alicorn's face.
“You do know that pedofillya is against the law?”

“Pedofillya? Nonsense, child! I am old enough for this.”

Biting her bottom lip with a smirk, Cadance eyed her aunt a bit, imagined the scene that had taken place.
“Well, this body of yours sure isn't. Where is Tyler? What does he think about this?”

“Oh he is still taking a shower. He objected to that fantasy first, yet I hath taken care of that. Mentioning to him that I don't feel pain like that and actually enjoy the 'virtually' bigger girth, he accustomed quickly. I think he never came so fast and hard.” Now noticing the grin on Cadance's face, Luna blushed and arched a brow. “What? What is it?”

“You really love being a Lolita for him, do you?”

But before Luna could think of an answer, the bathroom door opened once again and Tyler stepped out. Humming a tune, it didn't take long until he noticed the visitor.
“Ah, yeah... Man, I feel great! Oh? Hi, Cadance! Is it time already?”

Cadance replied with a nod.
“Yes, I came to tell you that your love nest is to make way for reality.”

“Fine with me... I feel like I could take on the world! Hnnng!” He stretched his back and arms while letting out a big hefty yawn. That was when it happened. The towel slipped and fell down, revealing his hard rod, standing attention high up into the air. Cadance arched both brows at the sight of it, seeing a human man naked for the very first time. Being used to Shining, however, she wasn't very impressed by the size, yet wondered how much stamina this member could muster, if capable of satisfying four mares. The coloration seemed fitting regarding his skin color and the one or another vein stood out. But surprise nonetheless took place once Tyler grabbed her head by the cheeks and placed a deep and passionate kiss onto her nose. “Thanks, Cadance! These three weeks were balm for my soul, I really needed that after Nagohod.” Not bothering to pick the towel up again, he strolled towards the table to fetch himself something to eat.

Twilight came to her sister-in-law's side and bumped her flank into hers.
“Seen enough?”

Cadance looked down to Twilight with a blush on her face, yet smiled then.
“I guess it's just curiosity. I lack knowledge about human coupling or love rituals. I might have some tests I'd like you to perform on him, once you're alone again.”

Twilight grinned.
“Maybe... If these 'experiments' mean fun to us, I see no problem.”

* * * * *

Upon leaving the pink force field, Cadance shook herself. It wasn't easy withstanding all this with someone nude around. Her own spell almost got the better of her, but other than some naughty ideas her alicorn self-control made her withstand the urges. The dosage had been chosen just right. But if she would have stayed in there for some longer, the guards would have been need for a crowbar to separate her mouth from the nearest male crotch, in this case, Tyler's. A frightening thought. Approaching her own husband now, Cadance decided not to tell him that she barely averted disaster. She had remained faithful and that was the end of it. But should such a spell ever be cast again, she would be sure to enter it with more caution next time. Shining nodded up towards the shrinking force field.
“So, what about them? Is Tyler OK again?”

“Tyler?” She giggled a bit and rolled her eyes. “He already has the manners of a king...” Looking up to her husband, Cadance then smirked with mischief. “Shining? I want to experiment a bit...”

Closing his eyes, Shining then shook his head with a grin.
“Uh-oh... I sense some sleepless nights coming up. What's on your mind, honey?”

Levitating her husband upside down in front of her, Cadance slowly went down the stairs.
“I want to experience sex with a human and as a human... Would you mind testing out some transformations tonight?”

Shining frowned, not fully understanding.
“You mean you as a human woman and me as a stallion or you as a mare and me as a human man? What for?”

“Well, I can't just approach the humans here, they are all in herds. And once we're both humans, I might be more... you know... acceptable for your load.”

Shining's eyes widened, followed by a grin.
“So that's the entire reason...”

“I'm not eager to wait another 500 years for that to come back. And I know just the stallion who would love to give me what I need...”

* * * * *

Equestria, Canterlot, one week later.

After things had returned back to usual business, the humans, Princesses, Element Bearers and their herd mates had gathered together one evening. Drinks were had, jokes and stories were exchanged. Now, after all had settled down, they finally seemed to be distant enough from the recent adventure to Earth and all the things they had seen. Celestia and Luna listened with great interest about the things the others had seen in the other world. Luna took great pleasure in the image of human cities being lit up like a sea of stars on the ground while Celestia had found a liking about the family reunion Flynn could tell about. After a while, Sam pulled Pinky and Lyra in and looked over to Tyler.
“So, what now, Tyler? You and the princesses are going to take on the next step?

The question prompted Tyler to chuckle.
“Sure, I could go for the next coronation with the girls, could be a king!” Pulling Celestia in, he expressed a wide grin. “But if you ask me: I'm already king.” Streaking through Celestia's mane, he then looked into her eyes before exchanging a kiss with her. “Hail to the king, baby!”

Taking a sip from her ice tea, Luna then harrumphed gently, causing Tyler to look over to her after the kiss. Cocking her head ever so slightly, she presented her cheek, no doubt expecting some fond kisses as well. Giving a chuckle, Tyler then instead gave her a kiss on the neck slightly below, prompting her to yelp in surprise.
“Oh, thou knave! Thou know very well how ticklish I am there!”

Taking off his crown, Tyler then put it onto the table, the blue gemstone shining ever so slightly. Sam pointed right at it.
“What's with this crown of yours anyway? One unicorn Ranger claimed he wanted to lift it, yet was unable to levitate it. He then tried to do it by hoof with the same fruitless result.

Celestia gave a warm smile over to Luna.
“This is due to Luna's enchantment on the crown.”

Giving a proud nod, Luna raised a hoof to recite her enchantment.
“Whosoever has the love of princesses ruling this land, may wear this crown and rule alongside with them.” Looking down to the crown, her proud smile didn't faint. “No other but Tyler and us is able to lift this crown.

But that caused Rachel to snicker.
“Yeah, whosoever, be he worthy... Whatever, Luna! It's a trick!”

Luna shook her head with a giggle.
“Nay, tis much more than that, fair Rachel...”

Flynn stood up and looked down to the crown of dragon skin, what gained him the smirking attention of the others. Looking at the quintet of the royal herd, he pointed at the crown.
“If I lift it, do I get to rule Equestria?”

Leaning back, Tyler took his arms around Celestia and Luna, a big smirk on his lips, while Twilight and Applejack leaned their heads over his shoulders.
“Yeah, sure...”

Giving it a nod, Flynn then looked around as he approached it.
“Dash, the girls and I will be fair, but firmly awesome.” Giving it some muscle power, Flynn's hands clenched around the crown, but no matter how much he pulled, the crown didn't budge nor was it lifted an inch. Raising a finger on remark, he gave it a smirk. “I'll be right back...”

In the next moment his entire herd was trying to lift the crown, three mares and a human trying to raise the crown with sheer power. But no matter how hard the pegasi flapped their wings, the crown didn't budge. Looking over to her batpony herd mate, Spitfire gritted her teeth.
“Elise, do you even pull?”

“Of course I am! Just represent and pull!”

After five minutes, Flynn's herd has given up. However, not fearing the challenge, Fluttershy cheered for her companion.
“Come on, Grinko! I know you can do it!”Tyler smiled, but as the crown budged for the quarter of an inch, that smile vanished for a second. The smile returned, however, as the crown wasn't lifted despite the best efforts the muscular Masar prince could muster.

Finally, Sam looked over to Rachel.
“Ladies first?”

Rachel, however, shook her head.
“Nah, I won't apply for that measurement...”

Flynn took another sip of his drink before he shook his head.
“The crown is enchanted alright. 'Whosoever is being the most stubborn guy in the land may wear this' is the actual enchantment?”

This prompted Tyler to laugh and shaking his head, he stood up.
“Yes, these theories are all pretty interesting... I have a better one:” With that he lifted his crown like nothing and placed it on his head before sitting back down and caressing Celestia's and Luna's ears, causing them to giggle playfully. “They don't love you in the way they love me.”

The statement prompted everybody in the room to roll their eyes with a smile, when all of a sudden, the screeching, high-pitched tone of glass caused everyone to shudder in pain. What followed was the sound of footsteps. In the window, Tyler moved in the middle of the room, despite sitting between his wives.
“Ah yes... Love... The sweetest prison of them all.” As the others one by one looked at the independent moving reflection, Sage shook his head and gestured them to remain sitting. “Oh, you people can sit tight, I have no business with you. I am here for a talk with him.” His eyes now glowed blue, showing the cat-eye pupils. “You are just a puppet, boy. Love is your cage. I may not be as loved as you, but this only means that when I'm in control, I'm free.” With that he smashed at the window. Although only a projection in the glass, Sage's blow to the window caused it to crack like a real fist would have harmed it. Once more, Sage showed that he already had limited reach into the real world. “Let me out! NOW!!!”

After digesting the first shock, Luna was the first to react.
“How can thou...? He was dormant all this time!”

Sam looked over to the princesses.
“Wait! You know him? Who is that?”

Charging her horn, Twilight braced herself for trouble as she pointed it at Sage.
“Someone Tyler got in the Heart of Darkness.”

Correcting her Stetson, Applejack shook her head.
“Sage, ya back for more? Ah reckoned ya would behave yerself a bit.”

But Tyler interrupted her and stood in front of his 'dark side's' image in the mirror with a new confidence. Now the others knew about Sage, there was no reason to hide him anymore. There was only one thing left to do and that was storming forwards to the enemy.
“I appreciate the gesture, AJ, Twilight, Luna, but he is a problem I myself have to face.”

Arching both brows, Sage gave Tyler a surprised, maybe even amused glance.
“You? Facing your darker side, boy?” In an instant, his voice lowered and grew in anger. “Don't talk such nonsense! You know I hate it when you talk shit! You don't know the first thing about battling me.”

“And what about you?” Tyler then asked, “Total freedom? You? The girls already told me that you care too much about them to act against me. It would take their absolute absence for us two... no, us three to let go completely, to totally unleash our powers to full extent. But we both know not one of us is willing to take that sacrifice.”

Gritting his teeth in anger, Sage then spat to the ground, if only in the reflection.
“Right now you are nothing but a cage for me, boy... A nuisance, a hindrance, the only obstacle between me and my freedom. If I would have a body of my own, I could do so much more. Yet I am caged inside of you, a cage I can not break physically and now I'm also under the supervision of four female guards I can't hurt either.”

Tyler sighed, they were going in circles here.
“True... We are bound together; we can't stand one another. And I get the impression you feel unappreciated. It's hard to appreciate someone who forces my hand to violence and threatens to continue so.”

“Unappreciated, I like that term. Since I enhance your powers into nearly unlimited amounts to equal you to alicorn princesses in combat with not a single thank you. Instead you keep me a secret! First from everyone, then from anyone but your loved ones.” His voice now began to boom. “You can't do this to me! I'm the one who reeled Rage in in Nagohod! NOT YOU!!!” He now pointed at the others. “I SAVED THEIR LIVES FROM YOUR INNER BERSERKER!!!” Two meters from Sage the glass panels started breaking as a shock wave emitted from him.

And while the others took their distance, Tyler tried to keep his cool.
“Sage, what do you want me to do? Say thank you to you for helping saving the nation? If you start making all that trouble, there must be something you want. So what is it you want?”

“Oh I like that one as well... What do I want? I want to have a say in what we three are doing. You, Rage and I... We no longer have that Limbo since you became a prince, so I can only have conversations with you in reflecting surfaces.”

Luna arched a brow, already getting an idea.
“That would be a nice way to get rid of thee if thou misbehave...

Sage looked over to Luna, a smirk on his lips.
“Don't turn this into a vendetta, Luna. You would lose that one If you limit me even further, I'll terrorize him whenever he looks into the eyes of one of you. So if you want to play rough, I can oblige...”

Cracking her knuckles, Rachel shook her head.
“I say we kick him out! There's always a way!”

Looking over to her, Sage's smirk became even wider.
“Rachel Higgins, the gunslinger among the Harmony Rangers. You know what's the benefit of being me? You cannot shoot me without shooting Tyler Jones. And how often did you try that already? You cannot shoot me, stab me, club, strangle, maim, cut, squish, crush or disintegrate me! It is not possible, for this is not my body.” Looking over to the Elements Bearers, he smirked. “And the Elements? They have the risk of merging us together, giving you a Tyler that's more like me. So what do you want to do?”

“Offering you tea?” The entire room whirled around in confusion, back to the table, where Celestia had taken her cup of tea again. “How about a cup of tea, Sage?” Looking over to him, Celestia smiled gently.

Sage, on the other hand, clenched his teeth in stress.
“You again...” As the silence between the two of them began to grow in length, Cadance tipped on Twilight's shoulder and both mares nodded at each other.

Cadance then closed her eyes with a smile.
“I think we all should leave Tyler, Sage and Aunt Celestia alone to settle some things...”

Rachel nodded and began to smirk as well.
“Oh, I see...”

One by one, the friends went to the exit and Flynn turned to Rachel once outside.
“What? What is it?”

Rachel grinned wide.
“Seems to me that this 'Sage' is scared shitless of Princess Celestia Maybe that's a good thing.”

Now alone, with Tyler and Sage in the reflection of the window, Celestia calmly took another sip of her tea.
“Tyler? Would you be a dear and give Sage some control over your body? I'd like to have word with him... in person.”

Looking to the window, Tyler grimaced a bit, uncertain.
“Do you think this is wise? If he does anything to you, it will be my hands doing it!”

“I have faith in both him and you. He won't hurt me and if he attempts to do so, you will help me.” Tyler looked down, visibly uncomfortable with the entire situation, but this prompted Celestia to smile again. “Come now, Tyler, a little bit more faith into yourself, when everypony else is having faith in you already.” Reluctantly, Tyler nodded and sat down, closed his eyes and took several slow and steady breaths. Once he was absolutely calm, Celestia leaned in. “Sage?”

When Tyler opened his eyes once again, they were glowing with cat eyed pupils.
“Speaking...”

* * * * *

Twilight was trotting down in circles, restless. An hour passed, followed by a nerve-wrecking second. Finally on the third hour, the door opened and Princess Celestia stepped in, much to Twilight's relief.
“Did you find out anything? Will he cooperate? Will he not?”

Raising a hoof, the white alicorn calmed down her younger herd mate and let out a sigh.
“Well, he was very vocal in releasing his frustration about Tyler and his current 'imprisonment', crushed a stone pillar and flower pots to let off some steam, but all in all, I think this conversation with Sage was very fruitful. More and more I come to the conclusion that this personality, this dark mastermind isn't actually a dark mastermind, but a good one.”

Cocking her head, Luna arched a brow.
“A good one? How so?”

“He is vile and has a short temper at the moment, yes. But this is the lasting effect of the Heart of Darkness Tyler was put into.”

Slowly realization crept into Twilight's mind.
“So... what? One of Tyler's 'Alter Egos' is suffering personality poisoning?

Celestia nodded in confirmation.
“It could be that simple, yes. Sage once said he was Tyler's 'emotion dumpster'. Back then this statement made very little sense. Now, in view of this new set of points, it makes sense perfectly, even if that sense is a blessing and a problem in one. The Heart of Darkness was used to make Tyler hard and unkind, yet our half sisters didn't knew of Sage and Rage lying dormant in Tyler. Well, no one knew.”

“The Heart of Darkness spell is a standard black magic spell of alicorn magnitude and normally it is meant for one individual alone.” Luna began to explain. “During my time as Nightmare Moon, I as well made use of it. Or rather... It formed me into Nightmare Moon. Such spells slowly alter your personality and are dangerous. My second transformation was a safer alteration of the original spell, I am not making the same mistake twice. I am not surprised that Asira and Lamira found this knowledge as well. Maybe they were taught it by a book they found or by their parents. However, twas to Tyler's fortune that he had Rage and Sage lying dormant within him at that time. Sage seemed to have accumulated all the hatred in Tyler's place in order for him to keep a clear head. If Celestia's thesis is correct, then at the time when Tyler was inside the Heart of Darkness. Rage and Sage took over. Rage took most of the physical alteration while Sage took all the psychological alteration. That is why Tyler was able to regain control.”

Twilight looked to the ground. Without a doubt, Sage had saved Tyler from a fate Luna once suffered. This was shedding a whole new light on the entire situation with him.
“Because if he would have been alone with only one mind at that time, he would ended just like Luna and would have become a second Nightmare Moon...”

“Tis correct, Twilight Sparkle. Just like me, Tyler would have been changed to a state only the Elements of Harmony could have helped. And then Tyler's coronation would have been postponed at least a thousand years.” A feeling of regret began to rise in Twilight. Sage's anger at Tyler and the others for protecting Tyler was just. He carried a load all by himself that was meant for another and received nothing but imprisonment in return. Becoming resentful in that situation was a very easy thing.

The lavender alicorn then looked up.
“But that means we could use the elements in order to heal Sage!”

Shaking her head, Celestia dismissed the thought.
“Not exactly... When the Elements of Harmony were first used on Tyler back on Earth, Rage and Sage were dormant more or less. Now they are active inside him. I have to agree with Sage: It could meld the three personalities together to a Tyler we don't know.

Cocking her head, Applejack then arched a brow.
“But... What can we do then? Ah recon without the Elements, there's little we can do to help the feller.”

The question made Celestia beam with glee.
“Oh, that's easy, Applejack... Alicorn Therapy!”

Looking at each other, both Applejack and Twilight then looked at Celestia, dumbfounded.
“What?”

“Cadance and I are Alicorns of Light, Luna is an Alicorn of Darkness. However, since Luna and I are Children of both Light and Darkness, we can both use both sides of this power, but have our preferred ways of handling things. You, Twilight, are an ascended alicorn, not born with an affiliation to one side. And as your name already underlines: You are in the middle. Your freedom as the Princess of Friendship and Magic is the freedom of choice. It's up to you to decide if you want to take your studies more in the Light or the Dark or simply learn as much as you can. I think Princess Shiria will study more under Luna's guidance once her advanced studies are over and Luna's ready for her. But I digressed... Tyler will receive therapy from Cadance and me. And maybe from you as well, if you want to learn how to help him as best as you can that is... More and more, we will help Sage to return back to normal by absorbing the dark influence out of him and Tyler, like sucking poison out of a wound.”

Twilight pondered about these new revelations.
“If that thesis of yours is correct, that is.” She then gave it a sigh. “But lets hope for the best. I'm willing to give this idea a shot, since we don't know the outcome of the Elements being used on the three of them. Playing it safe would be the best thing to do.”

Celestia then giggled.
“Speaking of things to do: I wish to ask something from you for the impending Summer Sun Celebration...”

* * * * *

Later, in the Harmony Ranger Headquarter, the humans Lyra, Shining Armor and Cadance were sitting together in a secured conference room as Tyler explained them the situation with Rage and Sage. Hearing this, Rachel leaned back
“So you're not just a nutjob, but a magical nutjob? How many of them are in your head?”

While Rachel's choice of words earned her several frowns at the table, Tyler closed his eyes and sighed.
“Two and these two are more than enough. They're not sure if this is a single case, only the first of its kind. It might happen to every human coming in contact with magic.”

Sam folded his hands and looked down.
“From what I understood from the things you explained, you suffer from something next to a mixture of the problems of Henry Jekyll and Bruce Banner.”

Rachel shook her head.
“You should have told us earlier! You are the Head Ranger, this entire facility looks up to you.”

Lyra nodded with a frown.
“Rachel has a good point there. It's never good for any group if the leader hides a weakness from the rest.”

Giving a sigh and a nod, Tyler looked down at his hands
“After the thing with Nagohod, I was a bit overwhelmed. I mean, becoming a prince, saving a princess, prompting two princesses to flee... And that. A bit too much all at once, especially if you barely made it out alive thanks to two inner phantoms. As for the Darkness Sisters, they are weakened, but not defeated. Princess Asira and Lamira will return. That is a given. We will have to prepare for that, for they will come back to have their revenge. I injured Asira's horn and the tip was brought to Canterlot to be taken care of.” This earned him a glare from Cadance. To this day the whereabouts of the remains of this tip were unexplained. Some at the table knew about it, but had sworn secrecy.

Tyler then looked up.
“Alright. Rangers? Listen up! After the Summer Sun Celebration, which will be tomorrow, we are in motion. I expect the Descendants or at least the Darkness Sisters to return in the future, so I got us some new funds and with our new Griffin and Masar allies, we are about to get a lot of supplies and resources as well. And we will need that. I expect humans to show up any moment now. By that time I want a fully trained security force that is able for serve and rescue operations, but also is combat hardened. While we secure these humans as Rangers, Princess Celestia and Luna are working on the double to create new laws that allow humans to live on a larger scale than just five of us. Hunting restrictions, a place to live in, introduction to this world and country as well as the founding of several organizations to aid newcomers in their strive to implement here.”

He waved his hand and a hologram of the map of Equis appeared on the table.
“And since we are becoming a growing part of not only Equestria, but also from the Crystal Empire, the Griffin Kingdom, the Zebrican Commonwealth and the Moranji Queendom. A lot of new recruits wish to enter our ranks. Luna and I have worked out a test in order to make sure the loyalty of newcomers gets evaluated properly. It will give us the means to sort out Descendant infiltrators in our midst.”

Rachel leaned in and arched a brow.
“What kind of test are we speaking of?”

“Isolated stress situation, held in a dream similar to the mind trap I was once in. Acclimatization to Equestrian society in a dream 'lasting' about three months before we get to the final test phase, yet in real time it will only take about an hour or so.” Tyler answered.

Lyra arched a brow.
“Isn't that a bit extreme?”

Tyler shook his head in reply.
“Not as extreme as 70 years, believe me. In order to secure this HQ, the research we are commencing here, the military applications we will build here and the tactical information we will concentrate in this very headquarter, we will have to take every step. How can we secure Equestria and its allies, if we can't even secure ourselves?” Pointing over to Shining Armor and Cadance, Tyler nodded with a smile. “Prince Shining Armor and Princess Cadance are partaking this conference since the Crystal Pony Harmony Rangers are an essential part of this HQ. The crystal ponies have proven to be invaluable assets in processing huge chunks of data.” The royal couple of the Crystal Empire nodded with proud smiles as Tyler continued and lifted up a small brown box. “So... I asked each one of you to think of something and propose projects in order to advance our efforts.” Taking the first card out of the box, Tyler read it. “Cooperation with the...” Tyler arched a brow. “...Wonderbolt Academy...?”

Raising a hand, Flynn nodded.
“That's mine. It is no secret that not everyone is accepted into the Wonderbolts, be it a lack of minimum required skills or an attitude problem with the candidates. But I wonder if we might send over some recruit scouts to pick up the one or another that might fit in.”

Rachel nodded in agreement and looked over to Tyler.
“A sound idea. Intel gathering is best done from above, so a squad of pegasi could sweep the area or scout a place from above.”

Tyler took note of this with a satisfied nod.
“Mhm... Good, good... I'll approach Captain Spitfire and her superiors about that in person. Being an alternative to the Wonderbolt career might make us more interesting for recruits, yet we have to set up similar standards.” Going on to the next card, he narrowed his eyes, since the writing was small. “Motorization and expansion of engineering... Sam, I think this is yours?”

Sam shook his head and pointed over to Lyra.
“Not entirely. Lyra and Vinyl also helped me on the idea. As of now, the system of our hover tank is getting cleaned. "We have a Theory that we think might be able to enhance the reusability of your blood indefinitely, prevents the corrosion of the pipes, but we need the Crystal Ponies to help test this.”

Shining nodded over to Sam.
“Cadance and I will send word to our technicians. I can already see what you are trying to achieve. Preserving it in a crystal circuit... That might work.”

“It will prolong the time we can use the tank in the field and go beyond its current limits of one use until blood depletion. If this works, the blood might never spoil again.” Lyra whispered something into his ear now. “Oh yes, thanks, sweetie. Also we're understaffed. I like to note that we run this entire facility with just a few engineers. I'm a car mechanic, not a plumber. I lack the mustache and italian accent for that.”

Nodding in thought, Tyler took a look at everyone.
“Since the only fuel to propel that thing is my blood, this prototype and all its successors are going to be limited. This will no doubt calm the nobles and surrounding nations. As for the missing engineers, this depends on the incoming recruits. We might want to draft a few specialists in to work in this facility. I have to talk with the princesses about this. Anything else?”

Sam nodded.
“Yes, we want to work on a prototype being a track vehicle.”

“A conventional tank, then? Sure, motorized by my blood as well or conventional engines?

“Another blood engine.” Lyra replied, “We want to tinker a bit, learn how to create a motor with such an energy source. This tank will have a quite larger armament due to its platform stability.

Tyler made a few notes and nodded.
“Make sure that thing leaves Equestria standing once it fires, OK?” Taking the next card, Tyler showed a smile. Things were going smoothly here at the table. By that pace, they would be done before lunch. “Now, what do we have next? Gentlemen for...” He frowned for a moment as he read a bit further and looked up. “Cadance? I think this is yours?”

The pink alicorn nodded with a wide smile on her face.
“I think such an agency would benefit the pony population and would ensure a relief of possible tensions between ponies and a future human population. Since there are seemingly more men than women on your world...”

Tyler harrumphed, not entirely sure of what to say to this.
“No, you got that part wrong. Our male to female population ratio is actually balanced. It's just that Sam, Rachel and Flynn were sitting together in the Betty. You have a point with the idea that newcomers from Earth need a job here and do not beg on the streets, yet this here needs a lot more than just training. Well, if this is voluntarily and a civilian thing... Please keep in mind that this can only go on until there are incidents or public opinion is against this. Tell you what: If you sit together with Rachel and can persuade her that this is a good idea and the whole thing runs under your private jurisdiction, I see no problem with setting up such an agency. However, I don't think we Rangers can spend manpower for this.”

With that Cadance's beaming smile turned to Rachel, whose right eye twitched ever so slightly.
“Why do I have the slight feeling in my guts that I won't like this?”

Tyler then looked into the empty box and nodded one final time.
“Alright: Who has something else before we close this meeting?” It didn't take long before a mint coated hoof raised once more. “Yes? What is it, Lyra?”

Looking down a bit shy, the unicorn then looked up, determination sparkling in her eyes.
“I... I want to request the continuation of the experimentation of the portal spell.” All eyes turned to her and she gave her best smile to the sudden attention from all sides. “It needs to be researched.”

Tyler took a glance to the closed door, before he nodded to everyone.
“What I say now is confidential. It is not to leave this room. As of now, no one but the princesses, the Elements of Harmony and the ones present right now know of the portal spell we have. Beside the crossing from Earth to Equis through the Bermuda Triangle, this is currently our only way back to Earth. This knowledge must never leave this facility.”

Lyra shook her head, not understanding.
“But why?”

Tyler looked over to her.
“You. Because of you, Lyra. You are the key. I don't know how the Darkness Sisters were able to create a portal, but you are, as of now, our most valuable asset in this facility. Deep within you is something that connects you to the human world. Keeping this a secret is keeping you safe from ill intended minds. We will experiment with this, but only in this facility and within safety precautions.”

When Lyra looked down a bit glum, Sam patted her shoulder.
“Easy there, Lyra... If more people from Earth come over here, there will be much more to learn for you.”

Giving a sigh, the unicorn nodded with a smile.
“I guess so. Well, I was on the other side, I saw with my own eyes that this place, Earth, exists. That's more that I ever could have asked. I just want to go there without the worry of a Changeling monstrosity or some pressure due to Equestria being in peril. Just a visit, you know?”

Tyler looked at each one, before he closed his eyes with a smile.
“I think everyone here wants that to happen, Lyra. And some time in the future we will have the people of Earth and Equis meeting each other, casual and in friendship. But until that day comes, we still have some work ahead of us. Let's stay focused and give it our all until-”

He was interrupted by an alarm as the announcement came.
“Warning! Warning! HQ is under attack!”

Looking up, Tyler arched his brows.
“What?!?”

Storming into the room, a unicorn ranger saluted in a hurry.
“I am sorry to intervene, Head Ranger, but there is some aggressive growth coming from the outside. It's already working itself down the corridors, blocking the way to the outside!”

Tyler's face darkened.
“Show me!”

* * * * *

The dark vines grew tireless inside the corridors. More and more gaining in thickness, they blocked and filled every last inch of the corridors up to Canterlot. Upon seeing this, Flynn shook his head.
“I've seen enough hentai to see what this stuff might do.”

Rachel shot him an annoyed look, before taking a pistol out of her holster.
“Will you shut up? I'm going to fry this shit and once we're up, we will take care of it on the surface. Should be over before the day is out.”

But even before she could aim properly, Sam's hand rested on her gun and pushed it down again.
“We can't just blast our way through the weeds.”

Not understanding, Rachel shook her head.
“Why not? It's a plant, fire magic should work great on it.”

Sam now shook his head as well and explained his thoughts.
“Because the flames would eat through our oxygen down here before we would get up to the surface. We are at least a few hundred yards below the surface and the corridors are full with that crap. What good is done if we make it through while everyone below is suffocating?” He then pointed at the air vents, which was spreading the dark vines as well. “These vines are clogging the air circulation system as well, the oxygen supply is scarce as it is.

Taking a look at the vines clogging everything, Tyler nodded.
“Sam is right. More so, the smoke we would produce would easily kill us even faster.”

Folding her arms, Rachel narrowed her eyes.
“Alright, genius! Then what is your brilliant plan to solve this?”

“Something not so drastic, but also efficient.” With that, Tyler performed a spell to cast several fire axes.

Taking one, Rachel gave him a doubtful glance.
“Fire axes? Really?”

Taking one himself, Tyler then turned towards the vines.
“You can either hack at these vines or continue to complain. What would bring us to the surface faster?”

“Oh, alright...”

* * * * *

About two hours later of constant hacking and slashing, the humans took a short break while the plants grew back several inches.
“How far did we come?”

Taking a look back, Tyler sighed.
“Well... I say about... 50 yards along this corridor with a moderate pace?”

“And how much is left?”

“About 750 more yards?”

“Tyler, this is pointless!” hitting his ax into a nearby vine, Sam shook his head. “Unlike us, these vines grow without a break. We tire, they don't!”

Giving a sigh, Tyler lowered his ax.
“I know. But what better plan do we have? Burning them would burn our oxygen as well and would doom the ones we leave behind, if we ever make it out of here, I can't order to sacrifice our personnel.”

Coming to his side, Flynn nodded.
“But what good would be achieved if we all die down here? Maybe we can't save everyone down here. Have you considered that?”

Tyler closed his eyes in silent anger before he nodded.
“I did! But leaving even one behind is not an option I'm willing to take!” With that he slammed his fire ax into the vine one final time. Slowly, a noise became audible. Listening up, Tyler turned around. “You guys hear that as well?”

Arching a brow, Rachel looked to the ceiling.
“Yes, there seems to be something closing in.” All of a sudden, the tips of the vines began to shine in a bright rainbow colored magic effect and were reduced back to nothing and clearing the corridor. Shaking her head in confusion, Rachel shrugged and spread out her arms. “What the...? Seriously?”

Looking over to the others, Tyler nodded and pointed over to the now clear corridor.
“I don't know either, but we need to take status reports from every floor and department. And then we will see to whatever happens on the surface. Come on, folks! We have our work laid out.” And with that, the Harmony Rangers made their way upstairs.

* * * * *

Earth, Washington D.C. 10:23 AM
The television was blabbering with the news as yet another celebrity had exclaimed his opinion about what happened on that very day on Manhattan Island. For weeks the news were filled with pictures of the chaos the city had to endure. The entire world was reeling from one simple fact: Humanity was not alone and not everyone of the new beings that were out there were friendly to mankind.

President Meyer, or the old man, how he sometimes was nicknamed by others, was looking through some paperwork while the news continued and remembered with dread about the message that was whispered into his ear on that day. A message that no president wanted to hear, especially after the towers: Our country is being attacked.

That alone was enough for his heart to skip a beat. And due to some whistleblowers, it didn't take the internet long to unveil the order for Operation Hammerfall. No, the Manhattan Incident was a lot, but certainly not healthy for politics. In an instant, his approval ratings plummeted down in the ground, not that he blamed the public for thinking so. But cauterizing an escalating situation before it spread out beyond control was an option. An option that he as the president had to bear the consequences for. Simply doing nothing was out of the question.

What also followed was a storm of calls. Russia, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy... the list went on and on. Everyone and their dog demanded to know what the hell had happened. If Earth was under attack by an extraterrestrial force or if some super-hologram was causing a mass panic. Certainly not healthy for politics...

The silence in the oval office was disturbed as one young man knocked and entered with a smirk on his face, handing over several files, among them one labeled as confidential and the fresh AEGIS logo on top of it.
“Sir, have you seen the game yesterday?”

Still concentrated on his work, the president shook his head.
“Who was playing?”

“Chicago Cubs against New York Mets.”

Looking up, the old man smiled gently. Benjamin Hopkins was a good man, always trying to distract him from worrying too much. Somehow that young Afro-American agent still had it in his guts whenever others around him needed a break. Seemingly he now sensed that the president needed a short break. Stretching a bit, he then looked up to Hopkins.
“Sounds promising... Maybe later, first I have this conference on the schedule.”

* * * * *

Half an hour later several men and women sat together at a table while the president was presented the facts. Only one question was pressing itself out of his mind right now.
“Whatever happened to the U.S.S. New Jersey?”

“The ship disappeared in an area somewhere in Bermuda. We think the crossing from our world into theirs lies in this very location. The Navy encircles said area with patrol ships as we speak, but as of yet, there have been no signs of further emergence. Dr. Borielli and the rest of the scientific staff think that it might only travel in one direction. Um, in case you weren't briefed already: Dr. Borielli was the first to make some conclusions about the supersized creature we encountered in the Manhattan Incident. But, on the bright side: The veterans supposed to work on that vessel returned with the appearance of a portal that closed once they were through. They were questioned about the whereabouts of the New Jersey, yet their only response was 'The old girl is still on duty.' along with a story that a bunch of ponies took their ship to fight whoever attacked New York. The ship was heavily damaged in that fight.”

Looking up from the file he was reading at the moment, the president's right brow twitched ever so slightly. This meant the ship was lost and with it, several million dollar in taxpayer money, even if it only served as a floating museum. Along with this the technology for battleship weaponry, although he doubted that a military force able to bring in floating fortresses was even interested in such things.
“So whosoever took the ship and its entire crew at that time at least had the decency to return these men.”

* * * * *

Outside the conference room, Rick Marshall was arriving with an uneasy feeling. A sudden call, a new post in Washington, a certain meeting with the president to give reports about something concerning national security. His superiors were vague in their orders, but he had a hunch what this was all about. Since the failure of Operation Hammerfall, he was urged and stressed not to speak of it. Obviously now the superiors of his superiors demanded to know what really happened in Manhattan from people who were there.

Going through screening was a pain as usual. The agents of the Secret Service seemed even more thorough than their reputation preceded them. Confiscating Rick's service weapon was an expected, yet strangely odd thing. Maybe he, as someone involved in such close contact with the alien entities, wasn't trusted completely. He didn't care, simply wanted this to be over with. Yet all of a sudden, Rick recognized a face among those in the corridor.
“Borielli? What are you doing here?”

Andrea Borielli turned over to him and shook his hand with a smile.
“The same thing as you, Agent Marshall. I was ordered to come here. If the President of the United States wants to speak to you, you attend, no matter what sort of jerk he is in your opinion.”

“True...”

The 36 year old woman shook her head and pointed down the corridor with her thumb.
“I was escorted from my office by two of these men, reeking Central Intelligence all over the place. Seemingly they are recruiting folks and the entire data I had about that acid you've brought me was confiscated and labeled B001. I of course protested, but the paycheck they were wiggling in front of me for shutting up about this in public and working for them was too big to decline. So I'm here.”

Rick nodded in thought.
“Well, I'm here because-”

He was unable to complete the sentence as the door to the conference room opened and one Secret Service agent stepped outside.
“Agent Marshall? You may come in now. Dr. Borielli? You and your colleagues may come in as well.”

As Rick entered, he noticed the conference seemed to have a little break for the one or another walk to the bathroom and a refreshment in form of a glass of water. It was then, when he was waved in by an older man.
“Ah! There he is! Agent Marshall! Come here, please.”

Upon noticing him, Rick gulped a bit, but approached as demanded.
“Mister President...”

Shaking Rick's hand, the president gave him a smile.
“Don’t be so shy, my boy! Take a seat. You earned yourself to be heard since you were right in the middle of it.” Rick sat down, and watched as the other’s returned to their respective seats as well. He was then addressed by the president once more. “Yes, you certainly are an agent of many connections.”

That statement stumped Rick to some degree. Frowning, he looked around, noticing that he was the center of all attention until one of the agents spoke up.
“You are related to Flynn Marshall?”

Now Rick knew the game and his facial expression sobered.
“He's my younger brother. After his disappearance, he was deemed dead, yet I've encountered him among some... unusual friends in Sacramento.”

The man sitting directly in front of Rick, an Afro-American and by from what Rick could see, a strategic adviser of the president, stood up and began his explanation with careful hand gestures.
“Agent Marshall, you must understand that anything discussed in this conference room is strictly confidential until further notice. Everyone here has read and signed several Non-disclosure agreements to never speak about what is discussed in this room until it is declassified. You are here to give us the opinion of a man who was in direct contact with these entities and are related to someone even closer in contact with them. Several reports of several troops state this. This is why we think that you are an asset to evaluate this new and unusual threat to national security. You can give insight to their nature. And knowing their nature we have to. For while the whole world believes that Manhattan was the only attack, there had been a second one.”

Rick as well as others listened up at once.
“A second one? Where?”

A file was presented to him, giving several satellite pictures from a base in an icy wasteland.
“Exactly four weeks ago, our research base in Antarctica was attacked. There are only two survivors. Marcus Brady and Doctor Samantha Frey. Mr. Brady was returning to the research base after the attack as its only pilot. Dr. Frey was present during the attack. Both are still under quarantine on a military vessel that fetched them up and arrested anyone coming in close contact with them as well.

President Meyer arched a brow.
“Who attacked them?”

“It's not so much a who, but what, Mr. President.”

A file with several pictures was handed to President Meyer and every attendee and upon opening it, he saw the pictures of charred and twisted monstrosities as well as the murdered humans frozen to gruesome statues.
“Jesus...”

“Jesus has nothing to do with that, sir. We also salvaged the thing they shot to death.” Seeing the photography of the most normal Changeling, the president frowned. As he looked up, the agent nodded. “Indeed, sir. Like one of these ponies, but like an insect version of it.”

Rick recognized the black chitin plating. It was smaller, but the resemblance was undoubtedly there.
“Yes, like a smaller version of the thing that wiped out the police department in Sacramento and went super-size later in New York. Sir, I have seen what these things are capable of. Any creature able to withstand small and large firearms without getting downed and later getting so big even tank shells do nothing IS a living bio weapon in my book no matter what the white-coats say.”

Borielli smirked.
“Thank you...”

“No offense, Borielli.”

Her smirk now turned into a full grin,
“Oh... Of that I'm sure.”

Shaking his head, Rick then looked over to the president.
“These insect-like creatures seem to be predatory in nature. Sir, the beast that wiped out the police department in Sacramento was specifically after these 'ponies'. But these ponies all seem very approachable, even outright human in their nature. You look too long at them and they become annoyed. I even had a longer conversation with one of them. If you ask me, these insect beasts are a threat, these ponies are not.”

One agent nodded in thought, but pointed at Rick.
“That may be, but Marcus Brady and Doctor Frey stated that these insects are capable of somehow transforming into a pony appearance like some form of mimicry. That effect ceased as they shot the thing. Doctor Borielli has delivered her data to our experts already. Her observations and conclusions about the samples foreign entity B001 were indeed helpful. What specimen we found in Antarctica had the same traces of radiation as the remains of B001 in Manhattan. If this radiation occurs by this species or by some sort of alteration in environment is yet unknown.” A projector was started and showed Manhattan Island. “But this leads to our final event: Manhattan. I'm certain everyone saw the pictures of the tanks turned into hamburgers or the bridges clogged by ice cream and spaghetti on the internet already...

“A dark day for McDonalds.” The joke caused Borielli to snort in amusement for a second while the other men frowned at this. Rick looked down, a smirk still on his face. “Sorry.”

“On that day the entire world was witness as the entire human arsenal fell, to quote the troops ‘flat on its ass’. But never before did we have to battle an enemy able to alter reality.” The pictures slid through one by one depicting how humans were chased by the various creations of the Draconequis. Rick looked over to the president, who at one point rested his forehead on his folded hands and shook it. “However, the entire show was quickly over as that big monster climbed up this building. 432 Park Avenue. It was there when one of our squads on a neighboring building took pictures of what we believe reversed the entire city-wide effects.”

Now a single picture showed Tyler being charged with the magic from the Elements of Harmony. The beams entered his body in the picture and he was slightly glowing, while the other humans were positioned at the left of the picture, fighting Mimesis. Several of the people in the room gasped.
“Good God...”

“Yes, that's just what our boys at the NSA thought as well.”

One General cocked his head and pointed at the energy beams.
“So... what is this supposed to be that goes into him?”

The agent at the projector wall shrugged.
“Lightning...? Energy...? Maybe magic or something...”

Borielli shook her head and stepped closer to the projection.
“They are equine in shape, but these energy beams... maybe their entire weaponry is based on such ray gems.”

“But why are they aiming at him, why didn't they aim at that monster?” an advisor asked.

“They did a few moments before this picture was taken. It seemed rather inefficient and was only able to push the beast away.”

“So that's how it is...” Borielli stated with fascination in her voice. “Their weapons seem not to work as usual in our world. So they focused their attack in this young man... To withstand such an extent of energy. The amount of stress must be staggering!”

“Yes, some of our soldiers handed in reports about these ponies as well, claiming that they were not hostile towards humans and, in fact, fought side by side with them, aiming these trinkets at their targets.”

Another agent corrected his glasses.
“We also received note that several thousands of men and women being in Manhattan at the time this energy weapon went off reported incidents of heavy skin burn until the skin fell off. Yet in an instant, the skin did regrow and the wounds disappeared as if never caused.”

Hearing this let several men arch their brows.
“What?”

“Is that confirmed?”

“Yes, sir. 7492 cases of such appearing and disappearing wounds have been reported.”

A phone rang and one of the agents answered it. Meanwhile Borielli arched a brow.
“Agent Marshall? I think you are right. Seemingly not all of these creatures mean us harm. These chaotic, hovering ones seem hostile, yet these...” Looking at a set of pictures of Rainbow Dash and Rarity, the woman shook her head, “... not to sound unprofessional, but Pegasi and unicorns in lack of better terms at the moment... they seem to battle the hovering ones. It is possible that these wounds were an unwanted side-effect. But whatever their goal is, this young man seems to be the key since they focus and enhance their attack with his help.”

“But let’s not forget that this one man, Tyler Jones, is a wanted hacker.” A picture now depicted him with the Descendants all around them, his hands in handcuffs. “Are they taking him... prisoner?”

One general arched his brows and looked around.
“That man has brought a war to our world that seemingly started on theirs! A war with an enemy that can encapsulate and isolate the entire bandwidth of effects of a tactical nuclear warhead.”

Now the president rested his palms on the desktop.
“I've heard enough. I understand that this man is the most dangerous threat to our nation.”

One of the scientists nodded.
“Oh, yes! The area of effect engulfed all of them at that point altered Manhattan Island. Any man that can unleash that kind of firepower is nothing but a walking bomb.”

The old man's fist slammed onto his desk before he opened it and stabbed his index and middle finger onto the very same place.
“I want that man found and secured for questioning! They've sent agents over into our world, I think it's only fitting if we return the favor. We-”

Now the agent on the phone looked up to the others and addressed the president.
“Sir? A civilian airbus has entered our outer perimeter of Bermuda. We think it is on course to the crossing phenomenon.”

Looking over to his military advisors and generals, the president received nods. He then shot Borielli and the other scientists a glance, and as they nodded with eagerness, he finally agreed.
“Let them proceed.”

One of the scientists narrowed his eyes while going through some notes.
“With the data recorded from the crossing, we can maybe determine its size and, if present, its movement. Radiation, magnetic energy, maybe even seismic readings... A lot of data could be drawn from this This means that we can contain the area, if needed. Also the records might show if there is any electric discharge or electromagnetic field present at the point of the crossing. Anything that might actually help us develop safer crafts to cross over.”

Listening only with one ear to the scientific babbling of the whitecoat, the old man leaned over to one of his advisors.
“Jim, aren't we risking the lives of civilians with this?”

Jim Hopper, however, shook his head.
“Sir, please keep in mind that these people are entering an area now known to lead into the other world. They WANT to do this.”

Looking out to the window, the president then sighed.
“Godspeed, you courageous pioneers... Godspeed...” Turning around he then faced the others.”I don't see any use in containing something from our side going in at this point as long as it's not military in nature. If we are to police any traffic into this crossing, it should be only to avert a trans-dimensional war caused by terrorism. Bill! Make a few calls with Europe, we don't want to do this alone. What's more, the crossing down in Antarctica seems their exit into our world. We have two one-way-crossings here. Let's police the exit on our side more strictly than our entrance. We know how to sink a ship or how to shoot down a plane, but we don't know how to deal with an aggressor able to withstand nuclear attacks yet. If there is need for conventional warfare in Antarctica, the world should be ready.”

“Agreed.”

Another scientist raised a finger.
“There's another thing: These people didn't have any need to take the Antarctica route. Neither did these large constructions that violated Manhattan airspace. They all landed in this world on the northern hemisphere. And you already stated it: The veterans returned through a portal.”

Several brows arched in this moment.
“You mean...?”

“Yes! It means only one thing: They have another way to come into our world. A mechanism seemingly working with portals. This means that they could enter our world without even using the Antarctica exit, slipping through our surveillance net there.

The old man now hummed in thought. Folding his hands together, he placed his mouth and nose behind them as he always did while contemplating.
“This is too big for one nation alone. The entire world must work together for this, for each nation could be visited at any given moment. I will have to address congress for an executive order giving your AEGIS organization more funds. And I mean way more funds. With this new threat, we have to stand together.” Looking up, President Meyer saw into each face at the table. “We might be facing a threat that could also lead to several new allies, since not all entities on the other side were hostile towards us. We need to be careful with our next steps since we don't know if the conflict on the other side came to an end or not. The following weeks will be filled with difficult choices, but we will see it through. Until then: Thank you all for your time.”

One by one the men and women left the conference room, but Rick remained and approached the president.
“President Meyer? Sir? I request permission to send reinforcements to the other side or being among the first to be send over.”

Looking out of the window, the old man sighed and shook his head briefly.
“I'm sorry, Agent Marshall... I know you want to see your brother again, but I can not allow you to do this. At least not for now. Any armed group entering the other side now might be seen as an act of war. We have to remain cautious. However, we will soon send over agents in order to look for these civilians and to assess the situation over there. And as soon as we have a foothold on the other side, we will look for their entrance into our world. You're a good agent according to your file. Why don't you join AEGIS? It would be your best chance to be among those crossing over. The alternative would be risking your life like these civilians by making it there on their own.”

Rick nodded in defeat. Seemingly seeing Flynn again would take a bit longer. Joining AEGIS, however, seemed to boost his chances to learn more about Flynn's current whereabouts. Just as he wanted to reply, Benjamin Hopkins entered the room once more.
“Mister President? Sir, the airplane vanished from radar and satellite observation.”

* * * * *

Equis, Canterlot, late evening.
Coming out of the Ranger Headquarter, Tyler, Shining Armor and the others took in some deep breaths. After making sure that the headquarter was secure, they had made haste to the surface to come to the aid of the civilian population. Yet nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Tyler frowned upon seeing this.
“Alright Let me see, Equestria is not under attack, maybe it was just our HQ that was under attack.

“Or maybe the extent of these vines vanished all at once.” Shining pondered.

Rachel cocked her head, not sure what to make of the whole situation.
“Possibly... But who or what could ever have the power to exterminate so much evil plant life in the blink of an eye?”

Right in this moment trumpets sounded off from Canterlot Castle, causing Shining Armor, Cadance and Tyler to look at each other with wide eyes.
“The ceremony!” all three of them exclaimed at the same time.

Tyler facepalmed.
“Shit! While all that mess was up in the HQ, I totally forgot! Listen, you two go and tell them I'm on the way while I-” Rachel shook his shoulder, her eyes wide and her face aghast. “Yes, what is... it...” Following her arm and hand, pointing over to the Everfree Forest while Twilight's magic boom sounded off over Canterlot, another thundering boom emitted from the west, where a civilian airliner made its descend into the Everfree. While Shining and Cadance halted in their tracks to see the catastrophe unfolding, Tyler only shook his head. “No... No, no, no!”

Carving a path of destruction into the forest, the wings of the plane were ripped off by the trees while the airplane's body almost miraculously remained in one piece, yet heavily battered and crushed at the cockpit. While the first detonations went off, the humans were almost frozen in place. Flynn grimaced at the sight.
“From... from the sight of it, that's an airbus... Passenger capacity of 850.”

Hearing that number caused Tyler's face to darken in determination. Turning around to the others, he barked but one order.
“Harmony Rangers! Assemble!”

Author's Notes:

Proofread by Snyperwulff0