23:17 – 2 hours and 20 minutes into the mission.

The streets of Manehattan were dark and and eery in the dirty alleyway. Only the squishing sounds of flesh being torn apart and exoskeleton plates being stripped from the body were audible. Grinko was gutting out a Changeling, ripping out the spinal cord as he separated the head from the body. With precision his claws seem to fiddle with the exoskeleton, trying to find the joints, its weak-points. When two dark humanoid figures ran pass him in haste, a third one shortly followed in pursuit, this time human.
“No time for trophies, kitty!”

Taking aim on the main street, Jake Hunnigan shot a short burst, but missed the escapees. Clenching his teeth in anger, he briefly shook his head.
"Aw shit!!!" After that, Grinko passed by and began hunting after the figures on all fours, prompting Hunnigan to nod before he made haste as well. “Go! GO!!!” Looking ahead, Jake narrowed his eyes, knowing who was already there. While running, his eyes darted down for half a second, as he remembered his headset of communication crystal, the closest thing on Equis being a walkie-talkie. “O'Donnell! Cut them off!”

"On it, Newbie!" Placing several blood charges on the ground near a carriage, Sam then activated them and the red orb in it began to emit a dangerous glow and a red ray of light similar to a laser. "Ahehehe... Boom...”

Still in pursuit, Hunnigan then looked up while giving further orders.
“Higgins! Take them out!” Running over the roofs, Rachel followed the targets with her eyes, giving several shots from the hips. She then came to a halt, took precision aim and landed a hit on the leg on one of them, prompting the figure being hit to fall down while the other ran into Sam's bombs, blowing up into bloody green pieces in the process. Chunks of green and yellow flesh were sprinkled around and landed all over the place.

Getting on her knees, the remaining figure looked up at the burning rests of her companion, before a fierce roar from the right got its attention. Diving to safety, the figure barely escaped Grinko's attack leaping at it with a quick jump to the front, causing the Masar to crash into the wooden wagon that stood behind it. While Grinko's claws were stuck in some watermelons, the dark plated figure got up, quickly limping into a dark alleyway leading into an underground garage for all the chariots. Giving haste to pursuit, the Harmony Rangers regrouped and gave chase as one re-united unit. Grinko growled after sniffing twice.
“I smell a lot of blood in here...”

Flashlights were switched on in total darkness and the ground showed a trail of green blood sprinkled over the ground. Jake Hunningan nodded, satisfaction in his eyes.
“Higgins, you got this one good. But if he keeps bleeding like that, he's down before we even got him for questioning."

But Rachel shot Jake a quick glare before she stared back into the darkness all around them.
“Quiet! I hear him...” In front of them was pitch black darkness, but as soon as the flashlights illuminated the area before them, several noises were audible. The flashlight cones wandered through the dark until the heads of a few dozen Changelings popped into the open, who aggressively hissed at them. Almost instantly the firefight broke loose and the guns were blazing. The Changelings storming right at them from all sides despite dozens of them being perforated each second.

That's when the order came.
“Full stop!" In an instant, all Changelings froze in motion and disappeared one by one. Lights were activating and the Rangers looked up to the vanishing buildings and streets. Holding only training dummies in their hands, Jake had to admit he was surprised at the depth of this illusion. When Tyler approached them on a balcony, he was looking up to the ceiling of a larger training hall. “Time?”

A voice from above came with the reply.
“Two hours, twenty five minutes.”

Shaking his head, Tyler closed his eyes,
“That took way too long. If another humanoid Changeling appears, there is no point in saying what damage he could cause with that much time."

Hunnigan shook his head.
“Why are we training like this? I thought you said all Changelings are dead?”

Coming to his side, Rachel shrugged.
"That's what we thought when we killed the first humanoid Changeling. We blew him to bite-sized pieces and still the Darkness Sisters managed to bring him back to life.” Looking up to Tyler, her mood got a bit foul. “Anyway, this stuff here better has some meaning, Tyler! With Flynn we would have taken them within seconds..."

Giving a shrug, Tyler opened his arms.
"True, but Flynn isn't always there. We can't rely on one specific Ranger alone to get a job done. For now get some rest and refreshments. I will debrief you in one hour."

Right after Tyler was out of sight, Grinko hustled Jake one step away, pointing one of his razor sharp claws at him.
“I have a name... If you want me to respect you in any way, I strongly suggest you start using it. If you call me 'kitty' one more time, you'll end up at the painful end of these claws.” He then left for the exit, only stopping one last time at Rachel's side. “Rachel? Until the debriefing, I'm back to the surface. I don't want to spend any more time in this place than I have to...”

As soon as Grinko was leaving, Sam looked after him as he came to Rachel's side.
“He's still uncomfortable with underground places?”

“Yeah... He only came to the simulation since there was an open sky in it. It's almost phobic. He doesn't have problems with closed quarters though, it's no claustrophobia. Otherwise he would have been of little help in Nagohod. But as of now, he attends when his presence is requested. Jones seems to be OK with that.” Leaning over to Jake, Rachel shook her head. “Word of advice: He's serious. I know him not as long as the Head Ranger, but these Masar? They're not the type of people to make promises and threats in vain.”

Jake grumbled under his breath.
“I just forgot his name, OK? There are so many new names here among these ponies and not one of them is something regular like John or Bob. No, instead we have Pinkie Pie, Roseluck, Firebrand, Ink Rose and what not. I mean I was used to REAL names, not cutie stuff all the time.”

In the living quarters the human rangers conversed on with Carmen Vasquez, who was sitting already sitting there. Richard shook his head while sitting down and looking in slight wonder at the artificial landscape that was depicted behind a sheet of glass. Sometimes it showed a white sand beach, sometimes lush grasslands and yellow corn fields. Whoever thought of recreation down here would be a freaking genius. It all looked real.
“You'll get used to all these weird names, Jake. We all will.”

Opening a bottle of mineral water, Carmen took a gulp and grinned over to Jake
“That's not it, Richard. You see: Some here made it through the Koba Test with humans or ponies as love interest. Jake here had a Masar girl...”

This earned Jake a few odd looks.
“You're a furry?”

“Hey! It's not like that! I- I...” he tried to explain himself, stuttering.

But Vasquez only waved the thought away.
“So what if he would be? They probably have stuff like that on this world one way or another, if you ask me. Just one look at that Grinko guy should be enough. The Koba Test is interactive and simulates what you find appealing one way or another.”

“You certainly know a lot about that all of a sudden, Carmen. You had an audience with Princess Luna?”

“Yes, being there each time for each applicant taking the test together with the Head Ranger, I reckoned the test is performed by her. Like a controlled test dream simulation or whatever. Heck if I know this weird magic stuff. I had to ask Ranger Rachel to set me up and later that same day, in the early hours of evening, I actually got confirmation that the princess was about to see me. She's very pleasant despite that odd shakepearean talk. Seems to me she doesn't get much 'night court' as she called it. Most citizens seem to go to her sister with that. Anyway, after a short conversation, she confirmed that everyone gets the partner he or she seems fitting for him- or herself.”

Jake harrumphed a bit, prompting Carmen to grin anew.
“So that stuff we're currently training to hunt...”

“Changings, right?” Carmen now asked. “Richard and I have to run that simulation also. We are due for that either later today or tomorrow. Richie! Get yourself some rest before that, I don't want our team to look like total amateurs.”

“I got better scores at the shooting range than you.” Richard stated with a frown. “Rumor has it these Changelings went extinct and everyone on the street is happy about it. But if the higher ups don't trust that peace yet, fine with me. If we learn to fight the monsters here, we can fight them once we're stationed in Horizon Valley.”

“Oh yes! Any news from that?”

“Thorne said something about the area's being marked already as construction site. We'll be able to see the first few buildings there soon.”

Jake nodded and leaned back.
“I overheard Jones saying something to the others about a ceremony being held when the first buildings are being started. And O'Donnell seems to have stuff ready from Engineering. They're up to something. Hopefully it's something good.” Looking at the clock, he then got up in a hurry. “Aw, shit! The debriefing is almost starting!”

Giving him another grin, Carmen waved after him.
“Make sure to greet Grinko from us!” This only earned her a frustrated grumble from Jake.

* * * * *

A few moments later, the team that was running the simulation training an hour ago was sitting in the debriefing room. Standing in front of them behind a podium, Tyler had a whiteboard behind him where he pointed several mistakes as well as things that went smoothly.
“Well you managed to get one of two targets and you began to exterminate a smaller hideout before I stopped you, so the mission was not a total failure. However, we are talking about a Changeling here, so due to that shot you managed to land, Rachel... we only have a limited time frame to look for a human that appears to limp like being shot or has an injury at the shot leg that was treated. Remember! Healing magic can, varying from the dosage, heal a wound within seconds, minutes, hours at best. If he or she slips through our security net during that time, the Changeling can regenerate and goes into hiding. Maybe even indefinitely.” Turning over to Grinko, Tyler leaned forward to the podium. “Grinko? What compelled you to gut this one Changeling?”

Harrumphing a bit, the Masar sat up in his chair.
“First, it is prey I need to examine. While I had one encounter with them, it happened so fast I was barely able to get a better look at their weak points. Now that I have seen them, I no longer need to hold back. Second and that is more important: I will not fight them head on while you guys are firing at them in pursuit.”

Jake grimaced a bit.
“Yes... that was on me. I got a bit trigger-happy.”

Shaking his head, Tyler closed his eyes.
“Well, we can't expect our close combat specialist to engage the enemy with the rest of us shooting into the fight. Coordinate your troop more! You gave orders, yes. But you still think too much in conventional ways. Remember that your fellow squad members can be unicorns, Pegasi or earth ponies as well, maybe even Griffins or Masar. They all have different ways and means to engage an enemy. If you want to lead the squad, you have to utilize everyone's strengths, not just the ones you are expertly familiar with.”

Going through some notes, Tyler pointed at some of them on his clipboard while still talking with Jake.
“I see here that you were in border patrol service on Earth for a couple of years. Tough job?”

Jake answered with a mere shrug.
“It can get boring and thrilling sometimes. That I can tell you. But one does learn to wield an SMG properly.”

“Good. Maybe you and Ranger Higgins can teach new recruits how to operate such weapons. Some recruits have problems with that. Speaking of weapons... Sam? Although the kill for the humanoid Changeling goes to you, remember that we are trying to save lives, not endanger them. This time you caught a Changeling with these explosives. But it could have been an innocent bystander as well.”

Sam closed his eyes and nodded.
“Noted. The design will get a makeover. Maybe we can alter the sensor spell only to detonate with Changelings.”

Clapping his hands together, Tyler then nodded at each of them.
“We do not go out there to fail in any way, folks. You will run the simulation again next week. And I wish to see things go smoother this time around by everyone of you. Take the weekend, think about our tactics and how you could improve your part in it . Dismissed.”

While the others went back into the direction of the living quarters and elevator, Rachel followed Tyler deeper into the facility.
“Head Ranger? On a word, please.”

Taking note of her, Tyler continued to walk down the corridor in a steady, yet calm pace.
“What is it, Rachel? Are you grumpy because I gave Hunnigan the squad lead and not you?”

“No, that's not it,” she answered truthfully. “It was a training simulation, I know that. We know each other well enough now to see each others military potential. Probably I'll get my own squad if it comes to that.”

“Well, then? What is it?”

Her eyes narrowed.
“Oh, you know exactly what I mean... Training sessions military style, drills, Sam told me that Engineering got a shitload of funds and materials. More than he could process in a lifetime. You are preparing something! Don't deny it! Do you expect Earth to invade or something?”

Tyler stopped walking and looked at the floor, before he looked around. Making sure no one else was around, his eyes narrowed down before he looked at her.
“Remember when we were on Paretoka?”

It took Rachel blinking twice before she processed his question.
“Our trip into the future? Yes, I think I'll never forget that in my entire life! I think that's a story even my grandchildren will hear. IF I ever get myself some brats that is...”

Nodding briefly, Tyler looked straight into her face.
“Remember when we were inside that large space station and in this... this junkyard of sorts?”

Thinking for a bit, Rachel then nodded.
“These three citadels that looked like Descendant stuff? Yeah, sure, but...” Slowly realization crept its way into her mind. “Now hold it! Do you mean that this...

A silent sigh escaped Tyler's lips.
“What we saw back then were only the remnants!”

“The remnants of what?” Rachel retorted, her forehead more and more frowning.

“An all out invasion strike force!”

Stepping in front of him, Rachel grabbed Tyler by the shoulders.
“Tyler... Do you mean that you think that these things-” Holding his index finger in front of his lips, he hushed her down with a sharp noise through his clenched feet.

Looking around, he went with her into a corner and lowered his voice.
“It's just a hunch. We do know that these things will come to be in our lifetime since this thing remembered us. It clearly noticed us. I don't know if this comes to be within the next hour or if I'm sixty, but it will come. That's the very reason I'm speeding things up a notch or two. Can I count on you with this? Can you remain silent while I prepare Equestria for the worst?”

Now Rachel's eyes had grown grim.
“Tyler... You know as well as I do that... If you want to speed things up to a speed proper, you'll not be able to avoid going back to Earth again.”

Giving a nod, he looked to the ground
“I know. I'm afraid we will have to think of something. A couple of trips, a couple of connections... I already have some folks in mind. The thing is: I have to discuss things with Celestia first. We can't speed up Equestria's technological standards all of a sudden without doing this civilization harm. Then again, what good will be done if harm is avoided by us, but done by others tenfold? Which means that we need to discuss things thoroughly. But that will have to wait for later. Right now I have an appointment in Canterlot.”

This last sentence brought a brief frown of confusion on Rachel's forehead.
“Canterlot? What for?”

This time, however, Tyler could give an answer with a smile.
“Therapy session with Twilight...”

* * * * *

One hour later, in her chambers in Canterlot Castle, Twilight Sparkle was having a rather mediocre time. Preparing for the task at hoof was something of a challenge, since nothing she had read about psychology could have prepared her for an independent satellite personality like Sage. Tyler wasn't a case of a split personality, Sage was something completely new added to Tyler as was Rage. But where the hulking brute had little to none personality, Sage seemed almost an enigma of its own. Then again, Sage was not a demonic being that had possessed Tyler. He was too alike, too similar. The only possible way this was making any sense at all was that Sage and Rage were always dormant in Tyler, yet were set free or awoken by the Elements of Harmony or the Heart of Darkness.

But in the next moment Twilight halted and remembered Sage telling her that he was aware of his surroundings at even further points in the past. Way back when they returned from the future. When Tyler heard of Celestia being taken by the Descendants. Sometime during their journey with the Doctor something must have happened to him. Something around the time he was alone with Derpy. Twilight shook her head to shake these thoughts off. All these theories wouldn't help right now. Trotting over to the appointed room, Twilight knocked and peeked in before she entered.
“Am I too late?”

In the middle of the room, Tyler was floating in the air, obviously Sage had taken control as per to the agreement of the therapy. While floating, he was slowly spinning around. However, much to Twilight's surprise, Sage was very civilized and gentle in his tone of speaking.
“You are right on schedule, Twilight. Shall we or are you not in the mood for this?”

Frowning a bit, Twilight let out a small grumble.
“Well, it's better than some assignments I was on in my life.”

Now looking over to her, Sage arched a brow.
“What's the matter? Unhappy because I am no Nightmare Moon or Discord you could simply blast away? I thought you would welcome a challenge for your intellect.”

Grumbling a bit, Twilight closed the door behind her and trotted over to him.
“Unlike before, the man I love is at stake.”

Giving her a smirk, he nodded. A gesture that let Twilight think of another male troublemaker she wasn't on best terms with.
“Ah! Yes! The thing with Tyler and you. Well the feeling was mutual. I must admit I was first appalled by the idea of facing therapy. But now that it already underwent several hours with you princesses, I begin to see things clearer than before, the focus of things gains contrast, the vision sharpens...”

Blinking twice, Twilight settled down on a sitting pillow. This was new. She wasn't sure if this was good or bad, but it certainly was new.
“And what do you see in this vision of yours, Sage?”

“Magic, Twilight... Pure, raw and unprocessed magic. I can feel it all around me as it fills the very air around us. I can identify my very special talent as what it is now...

“And what is that? “

“Alteration of magic energy. Deconstruction and reconstruction to create something new.”

Frowning for just a second, Twilight then looked up with arched brows.
“Like I did with Starswirl's spell?”

But Sage simply shook his head.
“No, I don't even compare to you. You completed it, repaired a broken spell, created a new one from it without deconstruction of the old spell. And yet, you and I are very alike, Twilight. Of all the individuals in Equestria, I deem spending my time with you most worthwhile. Luna, Cadance and Celestia come after that, followed by Applejack and Appleseed. Not because I don't love them as much as I love you, but with you I can relate almost perfectly.”

Twilight looked to the side. The way he kept staring at her with these wide open eyes was odd enough, but the spinning in place while always facing her made this whole thing creepy. It looked like the devices Grinko had drawn for her while describing the means to roast a large chunk of meat. A grill he called it. And the thought of Tyler being on a spit and roasted over a fire brought her discomfort.
“Would you please sit down while talking to me? You slowly spinning around kind of gives me the creeps.”

Halting in movement, Sage then levitated Tyler's body down to the ground, where he sat down.
“Yes, I can do that.”

This really relaxed her and brought a genuine smile to her lips.
“Thank you. Does this mean that you're capable of creating more complex spells the more spells you are being charged?”

Nodding at her, he also gave a genuine smile of his own.
“That is correct. I deconstruct the spells currently not needed and create stronger or weaker spells out of that. Thus I can work far more precise with the spells I have. Nothing too strong or too weak, I can constantly use it just right. For Tyler, this had been a huge advantage as of now. No longer does he have to rely on more powerful unicorns or alicorns injecting stronger spells. With me, even the weakest potential could give us the right spell, given a larger amount of time to recharge. I can also absorb some amounts of active magic from things like levitated objects without actually harming the user of said levitation magic.”

Looking up to the ceiling in thought, Twilight nodded.
“Yes, I can see the use of that for the both of you. Seems you are making yourself useful and are slowly getting-”

Raising his hand, Sage prompted her to halt in midsentence.
“'Reformed'? I would rather stick with the term 'cleansed'. The darkness slowly rubs off thanks to all that therapy. But I think black suited me better than gray, don't you think? But, in fairness: I think white would also be a good color for me.” That last statement brought a thought to the young princess. If Sage was evil coming out fresh from the Heart of Darkness, would he be a force solely for wisdom and good once thoroughly cleansed? Taking some notes, she kept that thought for herself for now.

* * * * *

In the meantime, Princess Celestia had canceled all appointments for today. Having conversations with foreign rulers made it mandatory for her to give them the full attention they desired. After a few hours of conversation with Queen Sheeris in her conference room over a holographic communication spell, a spell that turned quite useful if matters demanded a conversation but didn't allow for a personal visit, she was now having a conversation with King Gifford. After exchanging the usual pleasantries, the Griffin king went straight down to business.
“I must say, Princess, certain generals of my staff are growing uneasy with the extent these humans are falling out of the skies. I told them to wait for our little chat to come to pass. There is nothing to be concerned about in your country, is there?”

Celestia smiled. For quite some time she didn't had a new topic to discuss with foreign leaders. Now, with the arrival of more humans, her country was the center of attention and the humans, although harmless for the most part, brought great interest to them and Equestria. In the back of her head she already took note that this probably would be the price to pay if one has a connection from another world leading into the heart of a nation.
“I can understand your worries, King Gifford, but rest assured: These people have no military background. They are civilians who try to live here beyond their usual boundaries. A dream they already paid a hefty price for.”

Gifford huffed a bit.
“It's somewhat comforting that their military strength is limited here by natural means. If the stories are true, then there are billions of them on the other side of this crossing.” Recognizing her arched brow, he immediately disregarded any thoughts of impiety with the shake of his head. “Of course these few people have my sympathy and thus the sympathy of the entire Griffin Empire for what happened to them, but I must admit that I sleep a bit better knowing that their bigger machines are unable to reach us, so that we don't have to worry about an invasion anytime soon. It would also be nice being introduced to some. Maybe some diplomatic get-together so my subjects and generals calm down a notch.”

“Speaking of diplomacy... I've heard your son volunteered for our joint project?”

Looking down for a moment, the griffin king sighed.
“Griffith wants to prove himself in my eyes. Normally I would refuse to listen at the proposal of him representing us in such a place, but a certain General gave some advice I couldn't ignore.”

Giving a sly grin, Celestia leaned slightly forward.
“Yes. Isn't it wonderful that we are on such good terms?”

King Gifford chuckled with close eyes, before he looked up to her again.
“You are perky as always, my dear. I got it. No need to hold a grudge. I will never again utter such an order. In fact, the applicants of the Griffin Empire should have arrived already.”

With a nod, Celestia beamed while holding up a list.
“Indeed they did. And after our screening, a satisfying amount of them passed the tests and will soon return back to you as Harmony Rangers.”

Giving a smile on his own, Gifford seemed pleased to hear this.
“That's interesting news. I am eager to hear what the humans can teach our troops. Marek said they have technology beyond our imagination.” He paused for a bit. “Do you think this project of ours will take fruition? It is, after all not the greatest island. Sheeris and I agreed to it for the sake of our sons and to further cement our peace treaty.”

Leaning back again, Celestia rolled her eyes with a smile.
“Believe me: I had the exact same discussion with her an hour ago. She showed the same concerns as you. But your people have fought each other for so long, the challenge of making such an island a blooming trade outpost Griffins, Ponies and Masar can utilize together in peace and harmony is another step towards lasting peace. There are other things that should be of greater concern.”

Pointing a talon at her, Gifford now smirked.
“Such as the ring around your horn, my dear? I apologize again for not attending in person and I hope my gift made it to you.”

Giving a short giggle, the alicorn nodded.
“He loved the sword and admired its craftsmanship. But for now, there are no sons to pass it over to.”

Crossing his arms, Gifford nodded as his smirk widened.
“Well then... That's where his wives come into play, now that you and your sister are close of becoming queens, I recon your nation will soon be blessed with some heirs to the thrones.”

Putting up a good face on the matter, Celestia closed her eyes.
"There are things we have to sort out first, though." After saying goodbye in all formal manner, the hologram seized when she ended the spell maintaining the connection. A sigh escaped her throat for she knew what would come now was something she could have avoided, but didn't. Out of reward for Tyler, out of selfishness, she did it anyway. Now she had to reap what she had sown.

It stung a bit. The guilt she and Luna had burdened themselves with was getting obnoxious. But the most damning thing about it was to keep it a secret until now. But the secret was about to be revealed, more so due to the fact that Sage already knew what happened to Tyler. The fact that he did not tell until now showed only that there was some good in him. But despite that, the time was running out. It was better to tell them before Tyler confronted Sage and learned it from him. That evening Celestia and Luna had summoned Tyler and Twilight to tell them. Both arrived at the same time, coming from different directions.

Tyler gave them a tired smile.
"Here we are... Well, let's hope we can have that over quickly. I have an 18 hour shift after me. My shower and my bed are waiting. Not sure about the order, though."

Luna bit her lower lip, glancing over to Celestia, deep concern in her eyes.
"Can't it wait? I mean..." she whispered, barely audible.

Celestia sighed.
"No, Luna... We have to tell them one way or another. Tyler? Twilight? You two better sit down..."

While Twilight sat down to her haunches, Tyler remained standing.
"Nah, I'm fine standing."

Taking a step towards him, Luna looked up into his face.
"Tyler... Beloved, please..."

Giving a sigh, he sat down, crossing his arms.
"Fine... So it's gonna be one of those talks, huh? I wonder what is so important or terrible that I have to sit down." Both mares looked at each other and sighed, before they began to explain. A good hour passed and when they ended, Tyler looked at them emotionless while Twilight's jaw had simply dropped down.
"Immortality..." Tyler deadpanned.

Both princesses nodded, showing remorse in their faces.
"Nigh immortality, yes Such as we do possess it, not dying of age, eternal youth, all of this."

When Twilight looked up to her husband, Tyler's eyes narrowed and his hands clenched into fists.
"And you did so without our consent- No! Even without our knowledge!" both mares nodded in silence, prompting Tyler to shake his head. "Quite a story! Eh, Twilight?"

Twilight slowly shook her head while processing the information she just got.
"Celestia... why?"

When Celestia looked into her former student and now fellow princess, her eyes showed great concern.
"Hundreds of thousands I saw come and go, Twilight. Complete lives passing by us as we outlived them countless times. I saw foals grow to young fillies, making first wobbly steps towards becoming mares, standing in their prime for a brief moment before withering away to dust. Yet I vowed to Clover the Clever, the one mare that had spent her time and life with raising us, being a second mother to us, that I would find ponies that outshine the rest of their generation. You do not know how special, how dear you are to me, my little pony. After oh so many thousands of years since the pre-classical era, I am so lucky to have found you, a one in a million." Tears rolled down Celestia's cheeks, a sight that made Twilight forget her anger, since Celestia was about to break open to her completely. "I couldn't bear to witness you crumble to dust like all of the others, Twilight! I love you too much for that!" Bowing her head down, the Princess of the Sun silently wept in the otherwise totally silent room. This prolonged until Twilight approached her and nuzzled her in comfort.

Carefully approaching Tyler, Luna eyed him cautiously.
"Tyler... I- I hope thy love for us wasn't... wasn't laid to ruin, I-"

"Will you shut up?"His harsh command made Luna tear up as well. Fearing for her love, she didn't dare to look up to Tyler. He on the other hand went through his hair with his left hand. "I don't believe how selfish you two had been with this. Knowing full well how immortality will always be a curse, if spent among mortals. You dragged the two of us into this. A part of me wants to slap the shit out of each of you..."

Bracing herself for the incoming violence, Luna positioned and braced herself.
"Then proceed. We certainly deserv-"

But instead his hand raised her chin and his lips locked on to hers, silencing her with this.
"The other part just wants to kiss these tears away. When the last champions of Equestria die of old age, who will mourn their passing? Will you? Will anypony? Can anyone fully grasp or understand this heartache, this sorrow and loneliness? This unbearable pain that made you two do these despicable acts..." His lips crawled over Luna's drenched left cheek, drying her warm tears with every kiss.

Getting her hopes up, Celestia began to smile
"Tyler? Does that mean that thou forgive us?"

Much to her dismay, he shook his head.
"No. I will not forgive you. At least not in the near future. For there will be one more pain to come. We will remain young, while one in our midst will grow old and grey. I mean, this would have happened anyhow, but I imagined myself being fifty or sixty by that time, an old feller myself. Not a young, still good looking man. I will see my children with her grow old and their children's children. No father should ever bury his child. A father should BE buried BY his child. You have turned me into something unnatural. Despite my love to you, this is a thing I can not forgive and it is a shame you will bear for the rest of existence. Like this scar..." Luna gulped as she saw the scar she once inflicted to Tyler. The one mark he explicitly forbade them to remove since it represented the fact that they wronged him once. Now, this mark gained a lot more weight.

Kissing Celestia's cheeks dry as well, Tyler caressed the back of her head.
"Spending an eternity with you... There could truly be worse fates, yet let's do our best to make things interesting, yes?" But this only prompted a new batch of tears running down Celestia's cheeks and she wept into his chest while Tyler gently stroked and patted her neck. "Ssshhh... It's alright, sugar lips... I don't know how long you two longed for a companion at your side, but I'm willing to give it a try. And if I'm really immortal now except for this alicorn horn to the heart thing, I still have you girls to send me on my last journey."

The statement caused Celestia's eyes first to widen in shock, then to narrow down in anger.
"No! Stop saying that! Don't talk like you've lived thousands of years!"

Cocking his head, Tyler arched a brow.
"Where you two are experts in, right?"

Celestia's tone got a bit more irritated.
"You don't know how this is. It's like living on borrowed time. Learn to know somepony and the next moment, he or she is gone! We grew accustomed to this and simply avoided being with somepony because it only causes us pain. And to demand from us to actually kill you if your will to live expires..."

Tyler's index finger now rested on Celestia's nose.
"That's why immortality is a curse in my eyes. One does have to endure what others only have to endure a certain number of times over and over again with each passing generation. That's why I deem you so selfish. That's why I'm angry at you two right now. You wanted the joy and happiness others have without the inevitability of death, planned to cheat on the Grim Reaper. And while I can try to learn to live like that, only in the recluse life of a single herd could we ever hope to live in total happiness. But we care too much for others to be that selfish. You decided this tremendous decision for me like I'm a child incapable of making the right decision or you wouldn't accept a no from me regarding this. That's the reason I'm mad. Luna? I hereby forbid you to come into my dreams."

Aghast, Luna took a step back.
"What?!? But... Forever?"

Seeing into her face, Tyler saw her tearing up, what made this that much more harder.
"No... But until I say otherwise." With that he stood up. "I need some fresh air... Twilight? Let's go."

Twilight gave the two sisters a last uncertain glance, then looked back to Tyler and followed suit. Once the door was closed behind the two of them, Celestia sighed and closed her eyes.
"You think we made a mistake in telling them, Lulu?"

Looking to the side, Luna got her tears under control again. Her punishment was swift and decisive and she accepted it.
"Nay... One could argue that we made the mistake of making them immortal in the first place. But... Whatever happened, could only happen this way."

Looking over to her sister, Celestia arched a brow.
"What makes you think so?"

Closing her eyes, Luna shook her head.
"Because Tyler is still wearing his wedding rings. He still loves us. As does Twilight. However, there is still Shining Armor who needs to have this talk with Cadance. He and Tyler are alike. And yet I have a... Let's call it a feeling. I feel that Shining would not accept that." Celestia looked down. Cadance would be utterly ruined for some time losing Shining. Yet so did she in the past and life went on. It always somehow did. Her train of thought was interrupted when Luna looked over to her. "Celestia? We should consider giving Tyler not such a hard time in the future. We sometimes request much from him by accepting our way of life. Living in a herd or being with ponies was fine since he was the first and last from his kind in Equestria Now there are humans in Equestria in larger quantities. Human women as well. If we..."

Celestia looked over to her younger sister, gently shaking her head.
"I know what is is you're thinking, Luna, but I disagree at some of your points. It is true that he did much and accepted many things of our society. But I doubt that he would abandon us for a human woman."

Now Luna cocked her head, arching a brow.
"And what, pray tell, makes thee believe in such hubris?"

"Because why choose one single human woman, when you could have four to five mares offering both their mind and body for otherwise frowned upon and perverted debaucheries?" Celestia retorted. "We ask much of him, yes. But in the bedroom..."Her flanks began to eagerly quake. "...We simply love to please him, sometimes even whorship him. It's not so much that we get all the advantages and he gets to sacrifice and serve all day. I am happy to grant him every single little wish he has to see him happy. I'm sure you, Applejack and Twilight think and do the same."

Luna then looked down.
"If that's the case, we did a whole lot of asking with this. It would be only fair of us to do a whole lot of serving next."

Resting a wing on her sister's shoulder, Celestia smiled and placed a kiss on her forehead. Luna's love for Tyler was still growing stronger and her fear of losing him loomed heavily over her. Comoforting her now was the best, if not the only thing to do here
"Have faith, Lulu... have faith."

* * * * *

While the two regal sisters were in their chambers, Twilight and Tyler were in his. With Tyler sitting on the edge of the bed, Twilight was sitting behind him, carefully massaging his shoulders.
"Tyler, you've been dangerously quiet the last hour... What's on your mind?"

Looking straight ahead, Tyler's voice panned out bare of any emotion.
"Sorry, Twilight... I'm still processing this. Currently I'm happy to have nothing on my mind at all."

Resting her head on his left shoulder, she looked into his face.
"I can understand you. I'm in the same position with my family. And the thing with Applejack and Appleseed will cause us a similar pain. But I'm certain that they will be there for you as they are there for your child now. Speaking of which... Do you think Nova and Appleseed will get along nicely?"

Looking over to her from the corner of his eyes, Tyler frowned a bit in thought.
"Why shouldn't they? Because one is an earth pony and one will in all likelihood be an alicorn? Nonsense! If Nova will turn out that way, I will correct her attitude. Being an alicorn means a lot. Especially a born alicorn. You transcended into alicornhood, earned it. She will have the luxury to be born that way. According to Celestia, others worked their entire life to not even get close to that. I will make sure that young lady will be grateful for that birthright, make no mistake about that."

Rising up again, Twilight arched a brow, began to smirk.
"You sound very strict already.

"I think I have to. I never was a father for an alicorn before. I mean Applejack's not complaining with Appleseed now and I spend as much time as I see fit. Even if some nobles are unfortunate to get their meeting rescheduled ever so often. Frankly? Sometimes I have no idea if I do the right amount. But when I hear that laughter of hers? Man, I so wish I could spend so much more time with her."

Resting her head on his other shoulder now, she gently nibbled on his earlobe. She was trying to ease his anger and they both knew it.
"Promise me not to be too mad at Celestia and Luna in the long run..."

Raising his hand to gently caress her ear, Tyler's smirk turned into a mischievous grin.
"Well I should be. And you should, too. For this immortality stunt, I will slowly roast these two."

Twilight's jaw dropped and she was close to break out in laughter.
"Oh! You devious fiend! You just want to make them wiggle and squirm! I never thought you would do that to us!"

She issued some pressure on his back in order to shake him a bit with the weight of her hooves, what only caused him to grin.
"That's partially payback for what you girls did to me with AJ! I already left this scar of mine as a reminder. If I'm really immortal now, then this reminder will at one time remind them that they wronged me, but I forgave them and stayed at their side. Because I love them." Looking up to Twilight, he smiled into her face. "If I wouldn't love you girls the way I did, things would be different by now. Of that I'm certain. Oh yes... What was it about the Elements you wanted to talk about?"

"That might have to wait for your next vacation. When do you have time for a trip to Ponyville?"

Thinking for a bit, he then nodded.
"That could be tomorrow already. The others might also enjoy some vacation days. God knows they'll need it the way I stress them with training these last few days."

This brought a smile on Twilight's face.
"Perfect! Then hand them some free days. You could spend some time with Appleseed as well."

He nodded, giving a smile on his own.
"Yeah... Sounds like a mighty good idea..."

* * * * *

On the next day, the human survivors were taking a trip down from Canterlot to Ponyville in order to familiarize with the neighbors to come and for the ceremony at the Horizon Valley grounds later that day. Sitting on his seat on the train, Greg Dillard looked up from the plans in his hands to Mike Thorne.
"These floor plans are looking good. I mean my cousin back on Earth had was in the building industry a few years ago, from him I got some pieces of experience with that. These plans here look proper. I have to give them that."

Mike looked up to him as well and gave the plans a glance.
"How big are the houses they are planning?"

Turning the plans around, Greg showed them to him.
"About two floors each. Some with a cellar, some with an attic on a third floor. All big enough to house a couple and a child, but there are no overwhelmingly spacious rooms."

Mike grimaced a bit, shook his head.
"That's alright. We don't need dining halls. A place to call home for oneself and a private sanctuary is what each of us wants. Some of us are getting impatient, unsatisfied. We didn't came here to be guests in a castle, we want to live our lives in real houses. Some already stated they want work, real work. But our working habits are a bit different then theirs."

Giving a short frown, Greg narrowed his eyes.
"What do you mean?

"Come on, Greg! Think!" Mike retorted, "I mean we had a spaceprogram in the states, that alone gave our entire organization of things an overhaul. We do things different."

Greg relaxed a bit again.
"Ah... Yes, I see your point. Well, I see no reason why that should be a disadvantage for us. Quite the contrary, it would make us that much more valuable for them."

* * * * *

Once the train got to a halt in Ponyville, several dozens of humans left the train, among them the ensigns fresh from the HQ
"Why exactly do we have some free days?"

Carmen looked around and noticed several ponies waving at them. Gestures she repaid in courtesy.
"Don't know, don't care. It gives us some time to get ourselves accustomed to the real pony folk, not just some illusion. And I welcome the chance to get out of that underground base.."

Taking a look at the tour guide, jake scratched his head.
"What is this place called again?"

But that statement made Richard roll his eyes.
"Ponyville. Didn't you pay attention?"

"Ponyville, Pony... P, p, p..." Browsing through the guide, he then pointed it out. "Aha! Here! Founded by earth ponies and today home to all three major tribes of ponies. Sightseeing spots... Well the city hall can wait. This sounds interesting. Sugarcube Corner..."

Standing in front of the bakery, Carmen looked over to Jake.
"You know? At least one can say you think with your stomach instead of your dick, but that's not that much of an improvement." The group chuckled and entered the bakery, where the scent of spices and baked goodness was in the air. As they entered, a unicorn stallion left the shop, levitating a small box in front of him.

Making way for him, the rangers overheard a female voice from the counter.
"Thank you for your purchase!" The pink mare then turned her attention to them and gasped a bit. "Newcomers! Oh, and I have to stay at the counter... What a shame... Come in! Welcome to Sugarcube Corner! I am Pinkie Pie and if I wouldn't fill in for Mrs. Cake right now, I would have welcomed you earlier!"

First taking glances at each other, the group then looked back to Pinkie, genuine smiles on their faces.
"Now that's service..." Jake stated. "Umm... We are only here for some sightseeing and the ceremony later, could we have something for the road?"

Spreading her hooves wide, Pinkie pointed at all the different shelves.
"Oh, sure! We have sugar canes and bonbons and lollipos and muffins and all sorts of different stuff you don't need a table for."

Jake held up his hands, trying to calm her a bit down.
"I think we'll just browse. If we have any questions or have made a decision, we will come to you, alright?"

"Oki-doki-loki!" was the brief reply from the beaming mare. While they browsed through the shelves, they could hear Pinkie talk with someone else. "Oh! Hi, Mrs. Cake! No, the shop is alright. We have some Harmony Rangers buying stuff here."

The door to the shop opened. A pair of boots and four aquamarine hooves approached the counter of Sugarcube Corner. And once Pinkie took notice of who was coming, a dreamy smile came over her face. A warm, male voice spoke up in the shop.
"Well if it isn't my favourite pie of them all..."

Giggling playfully, Pinkie rested her head on a hoof and looked up to her herd mate.
"Hey there, handsome... What sweets can I hand over to you?"

Tickling Pinkie's chin with a finger, Sam leaned in and looked deep into her dreamy eyes.
"Oh, with that smile and those eyes... I'd say you already give me plenty..."

Shaking her head with a smile, Mrs. Cake then turned over to Lyra.
"My, these two lovebirds are at each other..."

Overhearing Pinkie's giggle, Lyra gave the situation a chuckle.
"Sam and I are almost always together while in the Ranger HQ and we don't have vacation ever so often. That's why we love to spend each free moment here in Ponyville with Pinkie, so he can spend his free time giving her his full attention."

Giving a motherly warm laugh, Mrs. Cake gave a nod.
"Well then, what can I do for you?"

"We're set with a batch of chocolate muffins. And if you could spare Pinkie Pie for the rest of the day...?"

"Don't worry. Before she starts daydreaming about her lover, I'll hand her over to you. But I guess that smitten smile of hers will stay for some days?"

Lyra chuckled a bit.
Well, both have some stamina, it might get steamy.

Sam meanwhile whispered into Pinkie's ear.
"You heard that? Sounds like we got some free time to spend with each other, Sugar Plum."

Carmen Vasquez gently shook her head as Sam carried Pinkie out of Sugarcube Corner.
"I'm still puzzled about how easy pony mares have it to accept a partner from an entirely different species. Not to speak of him being so... casual about it."

Coming to her side, Lyra looked up to her.
"Part of it stems from the fact that we have several species that are sentient equally to ponies and humans. Equis is a world of numerous people, many intelligent species. I always pity humans for having a homeworld where you are the only species intelligent enough to that degree. Seeing that three human men already have herds, one of them being the Head Ranger, human men have become some sort of insider tip among mares."

Leaning a bit back, Carman looked down to Lyra, surprised.
"You mean...?"

A short confident nod was the beginning of the answer.
"A human man equals sexual liberation for a mare, yes. I mean humans have stamina for hours!"

"Now I don't know how it was until now, but there are men and women around now, so don't expect us to bond with any of you like the ones that came before us. I mean Ranger Marshal and O'Donnel were two guys having one woman with Ranger Higgins, but now our population-"

Raising a hoof, Lyra interrrupted her.
"Why humans always make a big deal in the mere possible existence of interspecies bonding is still beyond me. We are all social beings capable of critical thinking, are we not? And with two cases of procreation already, our two species can have both recreational and procreational intercourse. Maybe my advanced studies of your kind will reveal the aspects of this purism behind all this. I mean no one is forcing this, it just happens."

The three humans now placed their items onto the counter while Lyra left the bakery and Mrs Cake looked up to Carmen.
"Well, what can I do for you, love?"

Looking at the jar she took out of the shelf, Carmen pointed at the content.
"I... I think these are sour drops, right?"

"That they are. The entire jar or just a portion of it?

"No, just a small bit. I don't want to ruin my teeth." Carmen answered

Putting some of the sour drops into a paper bag, Mrs. Cake took it on a set of scales and named a price. Bits were exchanged and Carmen placed the jar back into the shelf. Richard pointed at the shelf behind Mrs. Cake at some chocolate cookies and smiled.
"I'd like to have a small box of that."

Taking a wooden ladder, Mrs. Cake nodded.
"Certainly!" Getting the cookie jar down from the shelf, she then placed several in an orderly fashion into a small box. However, her face had lost its smile."

Richard cocked his head a bit.
"Is something the matter?"

Harrumphing a bit, the mare nodded.
"Young man, I am not mad at you, since you are here for the first time. However: I do not wish to see your rifles in here a second time again! It frightens the other customers and we have foals in this house."

Quickly recognizing that they still had their service weapon on their backs, the three Rangers quickly grimaced. Carmen was the first to find her words.
"Oh, that- I am SO sorry! We should have left one of us outside with them! I... Please don't think that we were trying to-"

But the earth pony raised her hoof and shook her head.
"Such things can happen, but think of it next time, dear. You represent the Rangers. I think nothing I can do would compare to what Prince Tyler would do to you, if you would misbehave."

While Jake still remained in the bakery for a batch of muffins, Richard and Carmen left the building with Jake's rifle. Shaking his head, Richard kicked the dirt.
"Damn it! Not a very good first impression."

Carmen nodded in agreement.
"We need to organize ourselves a bit better." Meeting up with several of the other survivors, the rangers had to answer some questions about their whereabouts the last few days.

Mike Thorne grimaced a bit.
"Not a great idea to run into a shop with a rifle, even if only on your back. I agree with you there."

Richard looked down.
"Well, we've had some training in the HQ, I don't think they hand us firearms if they don't expect us to actually need it. Just not against ponies."

In the next moment, several scrolls of the construction plans fell to the ground and Greg Dillard pointed into a specific direction.
"Well, that's not a pony up there!"

Spotting the object in question high over Ponyville, Richard saw it descending to the streets. Raising his rifle, he then shouted over to his fellow Ranger.
"Carmen!!! One of these things! One of those who attacked Manhattan!" Noticing Discord, the civilians among the humans evaded the Draconequis, women carried the children away in a haste while several of the men looked for something to defend themselves with.

Aiming at Discord as well, Carmen Vasquez gritted her teeth.
"Hold it right there buster! One more move and we'll show you how to deal with troublemakers!"

But much to their surprise, the Draconequis, upon noticing them, simply smirked and leaned back in a Hawaii shirt, enjoying an icy cold drink.
"Oh, I doubt that...

Coming to the site of commotion, Jake Hunnigan rested his hands on the rifle barrels of his two fellow rangers, lowering them.
"Only a fool would argue with firepower. Explain yourself right this instant why we shouldn't take you down!"

Giving a shrug, Discord leaned in to them.
"Because I am reformed! Here, I also have the pardon letter signed by nopony less than Princess Celestia." In the next second, he was holding said letter in his eagle talon.

Carefully taking the letter, Jake read through it.
"What do you know...? It's true!"

But Richard only skimmed over it, reading only 'Former Spirit of Chaos'
"Alright... But you are the same as those things that attacked Manhattan! So if you're an evil spirit, I want your name."

Feigning shyness, Discord then put one talon on his mouth.
"Aw, how sweet..."

Nodding, Richard then continued.
“If you know the name of a spirit, you can control it...”

“Is that so?”

Giving it a shrug, the fresh Ranger kept eye-contact with the Draconequis.
“That's what some books say...”

Shaking his head, Discord then leaned forward to Richard, still floating and gently tipping his talon claw at the Ranger's chest.
“Well, there is only one problem: It is written that no human tongue can pronounce a Draconequis name...”

“Try me!” Richard retorted.

Landing in front of the humans, the former Spirit of Chaos bowed in introduction.
“If you wish so: My name is.... Discord...”

“Discord!” Richard repeated with confidence, a smile growing on his lips.

Leaning back aghast, Discord glared at Richard with wide eyes.
“But... Impossible! Ho- How did..?.” Now leaning forward, he pointed his talon claw at Richard's chest again. “You... You must be the One! The One the Prophecy of Arkatum spoke of!”

Blinking twice in surprise, Richard's eyes widened as his smile withered.
“Really? What else does this Prophecy of Arkatum say?”

Discord's began to grin wider and wider as he opened his arms.
“Well, that... That the One will also believe any crap-damn idiot thing you make up on the spot!”

While Discord teleported away in a bright flash and roaring laughter, Richard's right eye twitched in anger, realizing he'd been had.
“Oh, you floating motherfucker...”

In this moment Tyler arrived on the scene, silently watching with a grin on his face.
“I see you made acquaintance with Discord already.”

Teleporting back in with another flash, Discord was leaning against Tyler, still chuckling.
"Oh, Tyler... I am having such a blast with them..."

Letting him lean against his shoulder, Tylr smirked a bit.
"I figured. But for now: Behave, Discord. These people are not accustomed to your kind of humor yet. They've been attacked by your kind in the past, so it's only understandable if they point their guns at you. Take it slowly and maybe some of them will appreciate you for your insight." Coming to the rangers, he lowered his voice. "Put these rifles away, you make fools out of yourself."

Carmen Vasquez quickly secured her rifle.
"Sorry, we... We thought..."

Giving a sigh, Tyler nodded.
"Yes I know. He's looking like one of the Manhattan attackers and wasn't part of the Koba Test. You weren't briefed on him, but you are now. An oversight on my part. So away with the rifles. Poking them into ones nose is considered rude. Instead, tell the others that Discord is a friendly being unlike those who attacked Manhattan."

Suddenly an all too familiar voice came from above.
"Well! If it isn't my motherbucking T-Man!"

Looking up, Tyler spotted Rainbow Dash gliding down from a cloud.
"Rainbow! How's it going, girl?"

Landing right in front of him, she pointed at some of the other humans.
"I need your help here! Tell them about what we Pegasi are doing. They find it hard to believe."

Taking note that Tyler was approaching them together with Rainbow, Mike Thorne stepped in front of the group of humans.
"There he is... This mare here claims to be here for schedule business. But our meeting was with you. Can you clearify this, please?"

Shaking her head, Rainbow tried to show her best manners for now.
"There's nothing to clearify! Tyler asked me to get some Pegasi over from Cloudsdale"

"That is correct." Tyler flatly stated in confirmation. "I asked Rainbow to get some contacts from Cloudsdale and skipping her usual nap at noon, she did what I asked of her."

Standing tall, Rainbow pressed her chest out in pride.
"Well I wouldn't be the Element of Loyalty if I leave you hanging there for a selfish nap, T-Man!"

Frowning a bit, Mike looked over to Tyler.
"Element...?"

"Oh, uh... Important stuff here in Equestria. Bottom line: Rainbow and a few others are national heroes here." Tyler replied.

Right in this moment, another Pegasus mare of brown mane and coat landed on Rainbow's left side, what prompted Mike to arch a brow at her. Several earrings were in her ears, another unusual thing for ponies as he knew it.
"And who might you be?"

"Wild Spice, Weather Pony Division for Horizon Valley." she answered.

Looking at Tyler, the confusion of these two men grew visibly.
"Weather ponies?"

"Of course!" Rainbow replied, "All weather in Equestria is managed by us Pegasi. Each city gets a division of weather managers and their teams take out the schedule. Horizon Valley will be no exception in that. May it be sunshine, rain, storm or snow: The weatherponies are your address to go to."

Giving a nod, Mike then bowed slightly down and held his hand up.
"Well then... My pleasure. Mike Thorne."

Shoving a rogue strand of mane out of her face, Wild smiled up to Mike, resting a hoof in his palm for a brief shake.
"You're lovely, Mr. Thorne. I will enjoy working with you and your folks."

While Wild Spice was now talking with Rainbow Dash, Mike glanced over to Tyler from the corner of his eye.
"Are they all that flirtatious?"

The question caused Tyler to chuckle a bit.
"Just wait until heat season and then you will learn flirtatious..."

"What?"

The smirk on Tyler's face now grew a bit.
"I can tell. I've set standards. Since the wedding, a human man is quite the highly desired partner I guess."

In that moment, Greg Dillard began to laugh heartily.
"Mike, you should see the look on your face. I can tell that she will bring some good mood into our little community."

While Wild Spice flew off to tend some other things, Mike turned over to Greg.
"Greg? Do you really find a liking in a pony?"

"Why not?" Greg retorted, "I mean they have characters we can like, why shouldn't they have characters to fall in love to? Don't be shy, Mike! That Wild Spice? She seems to be one saucy bird!"

Halting in her movement, Rainbow overheard that and turned around at once.
"What was that?" She already flew over to Greg before her hindleg was grabbed and Tyler pulled her in to whisper something into her ear, prompting Rainbow to listen. "What...? Really? Uh-huh... So it isn't meant bad?" Tyler shook his head, what made the mare point her hoof at his chest. "But you know that this can be interpreted as a bad thing, right?"

Spreading his arms, Tyler looked up to her.
"Come on, RD... They're new here! I'm around for two years, they are here a few weeks. It didn't occur until now."

Snorting in frustration, Rainbow then nodded, calm enough to let it go.
"Well, OK... But only because they are newcomers!"

Once Tyler nodded and had a few other words, he returned back to Mike and Greg, who frowned a bit, not understanding the situation.
"What was that all about?"

Giving a sigh, Tyler shook his head as he began his explanation
"A foreseeable incident... The workshops for integration were not in place as of yet, otherwise you would have been informed about this. Rainbow doesn't take a liking with your phrase 'saucy bird' for Wild Spice. And it's not so much the saucy, but the bird part that got her slightly angered. You see, there were times of racism among ponies and since then it is mostly frowned upon to compare a Pegasus or Griffin with a bird, just because they have wings. Same thing goes with terms like featherbrain. If Pegasi, batponies or Griffins do that among one another, it's deemed a light jab, but if anyone without wings says something in the like, they can take offense."

Greg and Mike exchanged some glances and nodded at each other before looking to Tyler.
"It seems we will have to render an apology to Miss Dash and Miss Spice."

And while Tyler left the two men alone with Rainbow, a few seconds later Rachel crossed his way.
"What's up, almighty leader? You don't look so thrilled today."

Tyler held his temples shaking head head.
"Rachel, this has been a busy day and a bumpy ride so far. Our recruits went into Sugarcube Corner with their rifles, they point them at Discord a few minutes later and the others almost offended the weather ponies. This was about vacation and already I'm cleaning up after them..."

Looking for the ensigns, Rachel narrowed her eyes.
"Do you want me to have a word with them?"

Exhaling silently, Tyler only shook his head.
"No, it seems this was just an oversight. If it happens again, then you can beat them up with their own legs." Them being on their way to Sweet Apple Acres, the two of them noticed a commotion coming from the schoolhouse. At some point, Cheerilee left the building and got some distance from it, holding her head with one hoof. Both Tyler and Rachel looked at each other before looking over to her again. "Cheerilee! Good to see you. How are the school kids doing?"

But Cheerilee only rolled her eyes in annoyance.
"They are doing fine. I wish I could say the same about the parents of the human children. They seem to have a couple of problems. We've been over this a few times now." The door behind her opened again and a small group of women came out as well.

Tyler frowned at that last statement when the women all came out.
"What's the matter? What is going on here?"

Sarah Hardigan shook her head as she stepped forth, seemingly trying to mediate between the upset women and the single mare.
"Well, some mothers have concerns of letting their boys being tought by someone who is..."

Tyler leaned in, paying full attention.
"Yes? A pony?"

"Nude." she retorted flatly.

At first he wanted to say something, but Tyler then held back the thought and instead turned to Cheerilee.
"From a human perspective, that is an understandable issue. We wear clothes all the time. Would you mind wearing proper attire covering your private parts, Cheerilee?"

Arching a brow at first, Cheerilee then nodded and looked at the women in front of her.
"It is unconventional, but I could do it if it really has to be. I-"

"There's another thing!" one of the other women interrupted.

Tyler looked over to her, arching a brow for her rude interruption.
"Yes? What is it now?"

"The educational standard. I don't want to be that mother, but what higher degree of education can we expect here?"

Tyler and Cheerilee glanced at each other before he tried to explain.
"Well, from what I know so far, this school teaches enough material to cover all of the elementary school... And I hope I don't mess this up, but in american standards, the very basics of the junior high."

"And that's it?"

Pointing towards Canterlot with his thumb, Tyler nodded over to the worried mother.
"Well as far as Ponyville is concerned. I'm quite sure the more sophisticated ponies up there in Canterlot with their universities can offer more."

"Yes, but that's an educational system designed for ponies!"

Cheerilee raised a hoof to protest.
"Well, yes but-"

Tyler's hand now rested on Cheerilee's shoulder.
"Don't sweat it, Cheerilee. I can understand the argument and it is not without point. Educational material for a Pegasus pony is of no to little use for a human. A syllabus designed for humans needs to be set up at once. It will be noted and worked on as fast as possible."

"And that is all what you'll do about it?" was the next outraged question.

Tyler then looked over to the angry mother and arched a brow. He understood they wanted things to go normal again, but this went far enough now.
"What else is there I can do now? I didn't come here to fix every problem at once, Madam! What do you expect me to do? Pulling a complete educational system out of the hat? Despite all that magic I can't work miracles. Everything solved at once would be impossible. A human syllabus demands a human teacher with experience in this field. But I am no teacher. I am here in Ponyville to see and spend some quality time with my daughter. But before that, I have one final appointment for the day until I have a few precious hours with her before the ceremony is this evening. Your problems are noted and will be worked on. Either by my wives or by me in person once my vacation is over. Good day."

With that, he left the building and teleported away. Looking at each other, the women lowered their voices a bit. Among them, Sarah Hardigan looked at the direction Tyler went before he teleported away..
"He has a daughter with one of them?"

Rachel stood at Cheerilee's side and folded her arms
"A daughter which he cares for that is... Now... If anyone here wants to give Miss Cheerilee a hard time for doing the best she can, come right at me..."

But Sarah only shook her head. Trouble was not what these women came here for.
"I think I'm slowly beginning to understand what it is what the princesses are seeing in this guy..."

* * * * *

A few minutes later Tyler and Twilight landed in the middle of the Everfree after a short flight. Twilight, already knowing the way took point. With Tyler around, she doubted that anything in the Everfree would be a threat to the two of them.
"I heard you were over at the school helping Cheerilee. You chose some harsh words on them, Tyler. Do you think that was correct?"

A sigh escaped him and he looked down to Twilight. News really spread out like a wildfire in Ponyville.
"On Earth, people get silenced too often just because they are politically correct, Twilight. I will speak my mind. If one can't cope with that, they can cry me a river. Sometimes, humans need a bit of harshness to be put back in their rightful place. I may be the Prince of Willpower and due to that more bound to etiquette, but I am not willing to shut up because me speaking my mind in all honesty might hurt someone's feelings. I might tone it down a bit for my friends, but even you girls will hear something from me if I don't agree. She wanted all her problem solved right this instant. And I told her that is impossible. End of story. I'm not a bad guy for not pampering her. So... What was it you wanted to show me?"

"This here..." Looking down, Tyler spotted the massive tree in the cave even from the cliff they were standing on. While they approached it, Twilight explained. "The Tree of Harmony. Back when Equestria was attacked by Discord's Plunder Seeds, we learned about its existence. The Elements of Harmony came from this tree. So, in order to save the tree and defeat these Plunder Seeds, I had to sacrifice the Elements of Harmony."

Slowly approaching the extraordinary tree, Tyler took a deep breath in.
"Well, I'll be honest, Twilight. That tree sure is something you don't see each day." Resting a hand on the trunk, he looked up to the Tree of Harmony, spotting the Elements inside of it. "Seems to me that you returned what was taken from it a long time ago."

Twilight looked down with a sigh.
"But it left us vulnerable. We have lost the Elements of Harmony. Only the box that I placed in the library was given to us after the Elements were gone."

Tyler looked over to her.
"Another mystery, eh? But there's still another thing to ask."

"What?"

A wide grin came over his lips.
"Can I lockpick it?"

Twilight's eyes widened a bit before she narrowed them again.
"No!"

"Aww, come on!"

"No and that's final! You might damage the locks and we'll never be able to open it." Looking at the trunk of the tree, Twilight shook her head. "So what do you think?"

"Hmmmm... Well, Twilight... It is a tree. A tree doesn't pop into existence. Someone planted it here either with magic or with a natural means: A seed." Turning over to her, he arched a brow. "So was this the only seed?"

"What? I don't know. I didn't look that far into the past with Zecora's potion. It looks the same as it did a thousand years ago. Maybe it is even older than anything in Equestria."

Looking back up to the tree, Tyler arched a brow in wonder.
"Hmmm... Well there is no rush to look into this for now. Maybe one potion alone is not enough to look that far back. It would be interesting to know about its whereabouts though." Patting the trunk a final time, Tyler then left. "Alright. Enough work for today! I'm off to Sweet Apple Acres!"

* * * * *

Lifting Appleseed up from her crib, Tyler smiled content as he saw her stretching up her little hooves to him, already so strong.
"Come here you little bundle of joy!" Laughing heartily, the young foal wrapped her hooves around her father's face for a daughter's embrace. Tyler didn't object since she wasn't strong enough nor were her hooves hard enough to hurt him. "Who's Daddy's cutest little girl for now?"Her babbling response brought a wide smile to his face

Standing in the door, Applejack watched the two of them for some time before correcting her Stetson.
"She sure is missin' ya at times, Sugarcube."

Gently carrying Appleseed in his arms, Tyler caressed her little belly and each laugh of her filled him with peace and joy. All the horrors that spooked in his mind were forgotten in this moment like she was able to tame the raging beast inside of him.
"And I miss her. But sometimes the Ranger HQ is no place for a foal. You hear, sunshine? Daddy has to be in dangerous places he can't take you with."

While he placed her back into the crib, Applejack came a bit closer and looked at him.
"Ah still think we should have a word with Celestia and Luna. Yer her Pa, goshdarnit! She needs yer presence here before she gets the crazy idea that Big MacInstosh is her Pa." Looking down, Applejack frowned a bit. "It ain't fair! Yer the Prince of Willpower, but yer also a father! Ah may sound selfish taking our daughter before all of Equestria, but Ah only do so because Appleseed can't demand her time with you already."

Taking her cheeks into his palms, Tyler nodded and gave her a long and passionate kiss.
"After the ceremony tomorrow, we will have a word with the two of them. I'm suppposed to have time for Nova once she is born, it is only fair and proper Appleseed gets that as well. Tomorrow, OK?"

Looking to the side with a blush, AJ nodded.
"Ah guess Ah waited so long that Ah can wait until tomorrow..."

In this moment, the voice of Granny Smith became audible from the door, prompting the two of them to look at the old mare.
"Aren't ya two just such a lovely couple...Reminds me of Applejack's parents back in the day. Her Pa always knew how to get her Ma agreein'." Leaning in to Tyler, the old mare held a hoof in front of her mouth and began to whisper. "The barn is ready, if ya two want to make use of it, mah boy."

While Tyler chuckled, Applejack's face explored further shades of red.
"G-granny!"

But the old earth pony shook her head with a wide grin.
"Ha! Don't tell me ya would mind, girl."

Recollecting herself, Applejack then harrumphed.
"Tyler's not here for a rodeo in the barn, Granny! He's here to see our daughter. And tomorrow after the ceremony, we'll have a word with the princesses to get him more time to see Appleseed more often."Looking up to him, she smiled. "He promised."

Coming into the room, Granny looked at them both.
"Good to see ya demand him a bit more, Applejack. It's never good to forget about the family over all the work. But Ah must say it's excitin' to see a new town rise, mah boy. Ya young folks really keep life interesting. And so close to Ponyville as well.”

The statement prompted Tyler to nod a bit.
“Oh yes, AJ once stated that you were among the first settlers for Ponyville. So, if you would do me the honor, I'd like to invite you to the founding ceremony of the settlement this evening.”

Winking up to him, the old mare gave it a chuckle.
“Ya bet Ah'm comin' to somethin' like that, mah boy! And the rest of Sweet Apple Acres will come as well. A town being stomped out of the ground is somethin' that sticks in the memory. These young ones are sure in for something important in their life to happen. And Ah don't mean ya and yer friends riskin' life an' limb to save Equestria, Applejack!”

Rolling her eyes, AJ then smiled.
"Alright, alright, Granny... Ah would be there anyway because Ah was invited as well. Every Element Bearer will be present this evening." Looking over to Tyler, she witnessed with a smile how Appleseed was playing with him. "But for now, Ah guess it's time for the family..."

* * * * *

On that evening, the human survivors were gathered at the site that was meant to be their new home in a couple of weeks and months. The place was full with humans and ponies. Some kept to themselves, others conversed a bit with each other. Pony nobility was present as well, but a bit more resistant to approach the humans directly. At one point the princesses arrived on the scene and were greeted by their husband. Conversations about building plans and possible business proposals were had and while a majority of the nobles gathered near Celestia, the humans, especially the women gathered around Luna and Twilight.

At some point, however, several rows of chairs were prepared and set up in front of a podium. While everyone took a seat in orderly fashion, Tyler, the princesses and some of the Harmony Ranger senior staff were still talking to each other, before Tyler walked towards the podium and the others took their seats as well.
“Good evening! A momentous evening this is. With the acclimatization of our newest citizens, more challenges await. And with them come new possibilities. Humans and ponies living together means learning from another without disregarding the way of life of the other. Humans, coming from a world of tools and grand machines they surround themselves with are now thrown into a world where magic can do in some departments, what we take granted to be handled by machines. But adapting is what humans do and as we begin this first project of one joint community of humans and ponies, we will lay the foundation not only for a human settlement but also a friendship between two species working side by side for a common goal to achieve. The layouts for the settlement are set, there are building crews from Manehattan that we hired to aid you to build this up as fast as possible. Ladies and Gentlemen... Let us all work hard to make this settlement of Horizon Valley a huge success.”

While the applause was in the air, Mike Thorne noticed someone missing. Leaning to his side, he asked one of the others with lowered voice.
"Isn't Nick coming? Everyone else is here, taking the trip from Canterlot."

Sarah Hardigan simply shrugged after glancing over to him.
"He said he wasn't feeling well. No reason in forcing him to attend, is there?"

Mike grumbled a bit.
"No, of course not. I doubt they will put it against us if one is missing. Nick isn't a key figure today. But if he would be, feeling under the weather or not: If he would be able to stand and talk into the microphone, I would drag him out here to hold the speech he's about to hold." Looking through the crowd, he noticed ponioes of far finer attire than those of Ponyville. "I think even their nobility is present here today." Following his glance, Greg looked over to the ponies as well and nodded in thought.

Meanwhile Tyler's speech continued.
"We choose to establish a peaceful co-existence between our two worlds and our different ways of life. Not because this is easy, but because it is hard! Because the future can only belong to us if we share it equally with our combined energies and skills. To do that, we need to establish a police force of some sort, able to work in any kind of situation. Not just in Equestria, but in every peace loving nation of Equis. The humanoid changeling scenario is one that occurred already and ended with a 60 feet monstrosity attacking a human metropolis on Earth. Given, this was due to some extra threat of alicorn magnitude, but we should be able to form teams able to take on these creatures before they become that big.”

Jake Hunnigan leaned over to Richard Henson.
“So that's the reason why he lets us train that much... He still deems this a possible thing...” Richard's response was a brief nod.

“The countries that contribute shall receive the safety, training and technological expertise to counter such threats accordingly,” Tyler continued. “We are not talking about weapon technology, but an increase in mobility, enabling Ranger forces in these nations to go in at once if the situation so commands. Always remember that expansion is achieved through diplomacy, not by the military. The Harmony Ranger mission is to preserve peace. Our agents are encouraged not to start conflicts, but to end them. We attack only as a last resort. It is because of this that I unveil our latest and until now most ambitious project to secure our joint efforts for a brighter future for all peace-loving species living in Equestria and its allies, enhancing the mobility of our troops. Ladies and Gentlemen, for your consideration: Skyranger!”

Unveiling a large project board, where several project images of a flying shuttle were depicted, as well as seveveral showcases with models, the presentation earned an astounded murmur as well as some applause. Mike Thorne nodded in thought.
"Seemingly he's losing no time merging their technology with ours to counter this threat. But I wonder how they want to propel that vehicle... I don't see any refineries in Equestria to produce fuel."

Richard frowned a bit. It was true. They weren't told about these things.
"Maybe they don't know about fossil fuels yet? We'll ask him about that. Maybe he can tell us more."

"Possible, but how likely is that? It seems to me that these Rangers he's leading are withholding technical data from the public as would every organization that has some militaristic use. He would be a fool to publish everything. See? Little models and pictures to gain the interest of the investors. No detail in how they function. Not even to you folks who are actual full-fledged Harmony Rangers. Clever dog, this Jones."

Now arching a brow, Richard shook his head.
"Maybe not. Maybe they already learned from some instances to safeguard their secrets. We are, after all, new in the ranks."

"Well, either I am paranoid or you are naive." Mike countered, "Luckily there's no reason to worry for our small community. We don't mean anyone here harm and as far as we saw it, he was always supportive towards us. Still... Do me a favor and keep your eyes and ears open. I don't want you to spill technological secrets, but if something horrible comes down our way, make sure to give us a warning." Carmen Vasquez, Jake Hunnigan and Richard Henson looked at each other, before they nodded one by one. They had sworn an oath to keep the secrets in the HQ safe, but this didn't interfere with the promise to warn the human civil population about things going the wrong way.

* * * * *

At the same time, the curtains in Nick Hopkins' room in Canterlot were all closed and the door was locked tight. His second metal briefcase was resting on the wooden table, now finally open. The light of he laptop shined brightly into his face as he was typing with the keyboard.

Situation Report Five, Project Origin, Day 23

After assessing the situation, it is safe to say that we are not dealing with an alien invasion within the boundaries of our own solar system. This place has mass and oxygen like a habitable planet has, yet defies the laws of our known physics. A world where the sun can be manipulated by a single being and this being is ruling the land I and the rest of the survivors are residing in, is far from anything I expected to find on the other side of Crossing One. Further data needs to be collected by personnel more expertised in their respective fields. It is yet uncertain where Crossing Two is placed on this world or if the locals even know about this. Recommendation at the moment: Sending search groups to look for specific locations standing out.

Transporting the equipment within a Faraday cage was sufficient to shield it from the electromagnetic forces within the crossing. Sadly, not everyone of the utilized cover group made it out alive. Predator hazards residing in the dense woods mentioned earlier in Situation Report One are Called Timber Wolves and are feared by the locals. Said locals are pleasant natured on first sight, but I suggest -

A sudden noise made Nick listen up and from the other side of the door he heard steps coming closer and going away again. A pony seemingly passed his door. Giving a sigh, Nick then continued to type his report. He couldn't possibly know that someone who shouldn't be there in the first place was passing by.
"I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream..." The gentle female voice was coming and going like a whisper as it sang Tyler's lullaby for his children.

Author's Notes:

Not proofread yet, notify me of anything you see, so I can vanquish these typos.