Following Darkness (MK II) by Lord Curly

Note: This is the sequel to Soldier of Harmony if you have not yet read that story read it first. I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic and I will not claim I do so in this story unless I do come to own it which is highly improbable.

Chapter 1: Home

Unnamed Pocket Dimension referred to as the Lodge
Completed missions: 1,578,339,671
Approximate time past: Two thousand three hundred fifty years

I sighed as I added two more dog tags to our wall of fallen heroes. I said a small prayer for Tex and Matoro, to be honest I didn't think that Matoro could die, he was a biomechanical robot after all but this time there just wasn't enough to put back together. I sighed again, we know that they aren't really gone and that we would see them again when we moved on ourselves but it's just hard to see our friends die. I couldn't suppress a shudder as I looked at the wall. Five hundred and twenty eight tags now hung on it, a painful reminder of how many we had lost and how few of us were left. We had found it slightly comforting to look at the digital record of our kill count after looking at the wall hence why we moved it here from the main room. Currently it was just over fifty three billion. With one last glance at the wall I left the room and walked down the hall to the main room. I paused at the door and remembered the first time I had walked through it. Because of the backgrounds of some our members I had decided to address everyone in my human form. I don't remember the speech I gave but I know none of them had a problem with me leading them. Over time I slowly reveled my alicorn form to the others and eventually I no longer had to be what I once was around them and I could be who I was now. Going inside I saw my team relaxing… the five of us are all that's left. Spyro and Cynder were laying in front of the fireplace just talking and relaxing. Having saved their own world the only things they got from this journey was friendship more experience plus continuing to be the heroes they are. Johnson and Anderson were playing cards, I'm not sure what they were playing after all we've been to millions of places and learned thousands of card games. It hadn't taken the two of them long to bond with each other when I created the squad. Anderson had no problems with the others or even me since I showed them on day one that I was an alicorn. Johnson was a different story, because of his history with the Covenant he was slow to trust anything that wasn't human but his interactions with the Arbiter showed that he could change and eventually he did get along with everyone. Seeing that the others were occupied I went over to the bar and procured myself a Reds Apple Ale. I drank about half of it before god walked in. He had decided to keep looking like Morgan Freeman whenever he wanted to talk to us, mostly when he gave us missions. "I have a mission for you and if everything goes according to plan it will be your last one." This caused the others to whisper to each other. After so long we had given up hope of ever defeating Shade and resigned to keeping the universes on their destined paths until we met our ends. "I have tacked Shade to a universe and your previous missions have made him weak enough for me to effectively trap him there. I have put, for lack of a better term, a shield around this universe which will keep him there and minimize his influence over the universe. This does not mean his powers have been block just severely weakened." That was good news to me. We had been caught off guard before and during many of our engagements with him he summoned legions of soldiers giving him time to get away… that was how we lost the first three members of our group. "Eventually he will break through this shield, it is up to you to stop him before that. As you know normally I would send you in with equipment from the universe you are traveling to but not this time. He has escaped too many times. This time I'm sending you in with everything I think will be useful." He passed each of us a data pad with information on the equipment we would be using.

The data is split into two different folders, standard and specific. The standard file contained information on the gear we would all have. Titanium-A alloy, environmental reactive camouflage covering, and limited active camouflage. Our helmets had different types of imaging, thermal, night vision, target acquisition mode (Halo 3: ODST visor mode), etc., as well as a motion tracker and compass plus various other things throughout the armor. The other file contained information on our specific armor variants. For instance I was the only one with full body armor, SPyro, Cynder, Johnson and Anderson would only have helmets, chest and back plates, and bracers, grieves, and boots. The two dragons would also get tail armor. Spyro's armor was basic, not too thick not too thin and would have a tail blade and would somehow enhance his breath attacks making them stronger and last longer, don't ask me how the technical description went way over my head. He would also be carrying our spare parts, since he's been with us he's gotten interested in engineering and the tech from the other universes, making him our unofficial engineer. Cynder's armor was more streamline due to her position as an infiltrator and would have a speed booster meant for short distances, a noise dampener designed to hide her footsteps, and an enhanced active camo unit which will last longer than the one the rest of us will have. Johnson's armor was bulky and had extra plating, a darker visor, a blowtorch, and a strength enhancement so he can still move easily with the extra plating. Anderson's armor was on the lighter side not so much as Cynder's but enough to let him use his speed to his advantage, Anderson is surprisingly fast and our designated rabbit when we need one. For this mission he would be the designated medic and would be carrying our medical supplies which is distributed among ten pouches dotting his armor, his helmet also have a biometric scanner. I would be getting the most upgrades, wing blades, a magic amplifier, and a voice distorter. The first two gave me some insight into the universe we would be traveling to namely that I contained magic and our bodies would be changed to allow us to fly, my first thought was that we would be going back to the Dragon Realms. It wouldn't be the first time we went back to a universe. Although needing a voice distorter was suspicious. The last thing on list was something called spark, "What's spark?"

"Not what, who. Blazing Spark is an AI that will assist you when needed." He passed me a data chip and I slid it into my helmet, which he materialized next to me, and Spark decided to introduce herself. "My name is Spark it's nice to meet you and I look forward to working with you." Looking at the others I notice them starting to finish their reading. "Now as usual you will have some time to get used to your new forms and learn about the universe you're going to." A new file appeared on our data pads. Opening mine I saw that it was only three pages long, "Uh, sir…?"

"You don't need to full packet as you are already familiar with this universe. Now for your new forms." He started glowing and I closed my eyes, I had kept them open once and it took me nearly seven hours to get my vision back to normal. When the glow through my eyelids faded I opened my eyes. The first thing I noticed was that Spyro, Cynder, and I had not been effected, turning I got a good look at Johnson and Anderson. Johnson was now an olive green unicorn with a grey mane and tail combo with the UNSC symbol as his cutie mark. Anderson was a pegasus with a navy blue coat and a yellow-gold mane and tail, his cutie mark was the SSV Normandy with the Alliance symbol behind it. "Get used to your new forms and read the briefing packets. You have three hours before your journey to Equestria." I was speechless, this was it… I was going home.

Canterlot Castle
Local time: 1420
Seven years, four months, nine days since Steel's death

Another dream, another morning filled with regret and longing. Looking at the empty half of my bed only served as another reminder. It's strange, at first I had these dreams every time I slept but as time passed they became less frequent but just as painful. Even after Seven years I haven't gotten over losing him. It always pains me when my daughter asks about him. Since she was born nearly nine months after his death she never got the chance to meet him. I walked over to my dresser and got ready for the next day but I couldn't keep my eyes from wandering to the picture of him I kept on the wall next to it. "I miss you Steel… we all do. I wish you were here, here to see our daughter grow up. To be with me." After I finished getting ready I teleported to Ponyville to pick up my… our daughter from school. I sent her to Ponyville's school because of the attitude the Canterlot ponies have, while my sister can handle their attitude I cannot. I think their attitude is insufferable and I'll be damned if I let my daughter be like them or Prince Blueblood. The bell rang signaling the end of the school day and the start of the weekend. All the fillies and colts ran out of the building to enjoy the weekend, all of them except for Silver. She was staring at the ground and Ms. Cheerilee was walking next to her. Looking at my daughter reminded of him again. She had his deep blue eyes, her mane is cobalt with a silver streak in it, and her coat is grey, slightly lighter than Steel's coat was. "Hello Princess, I'm afraid I have some bad news. Silver got into a fight today."

"Silver Lining, you know better!" I took some calming breaths, she could be punished later. "What happened Silver?" She didn't look at me," Diamond Tiara was bullying me again." I sighed internally. After what I had heard from the cutie mark crusaders, back when they called themselves that, I didn't like Diamond Tiara. I didn't think that my daughter would have to deal with her but when the school was renovated and expanded students no longer had to go out of town for high school. So Diamond Tiara, as well as the former cutie mark crusaders and many others, came back to be closer to home. "Usually I just ignore her but she said something about dad." I narrowed my eyes, "And what did she say about your father?" Cheerliee was slightly worried by my dark tone. Silver shook her head, "I don't remember. I remember that I got really mad and then she was on the ground, I don't even remember hitting her." Silver was nearly in tears so I pulled her close and began to gently stroke her mane. "Cheerliee, tell Diamond Tiara's parents that if their daughter makes anymore comments about Silvers father there will be consequences. You might want to talk to them about her bullying problem too." She nodded in agreement, *sigh* I know I had hoped that by now Diamond would have grown up and realized that you shouldn't treat other like they're beneath you. But I guess she doesn't want to change, I'll talk to her parents Princess." We said goodbye and started to walk to the restaurant we were meeting Vinyl and Octavia at for lunch. On the way we stopped and I got Silver some ice cream which improved her mood. When we got to the restaurant Vinyl and Octavia were already at a table. "Hi Luna, hi Silver." We said hello and Silver went back to her ice cream. Octavia gave me a look, "You know that will ruin her appetite, right?" I told them about what happened. Naturally Octavia was concerned and I think Vinyl was too but I do know that she wanted to teach Diamond Tiara a lesson or at least that's what I heard her muttering. While we were placing our orders I noticed a bracelet on Octavia's foreleg, it was gold and had an intricate design. Once the waiter left I asked her about it, "Where did you get that bracelet Octavia, it looks great."

Vinyl put a leg around Octavia, "Vinyl got it for me." She raised her leg so I could get a better look at it. Whoever made it put a lot of effort into it, each part of the design was hoof carved and the design took up the entirety of the bracelet plus there were treble clefs in the design. Despite not having any gems like most jewelry it was one of the best bracelets I had ever seen, Vinyl must have saved a fortune for it. In fact I don't think I've seen jewelry this nice since the ring Shinning Armor gave my niece Cadence when they… "Oh my, is this want I think it is? Are you tow getting marr-" They both cut me off and moved closer to me. "Yes, we're getting married." Octavia whispered, Vinyl nodded." Vinyl proposed last night, we haven't told anypony yet."

"That's wonderful, congratulations. I sure everypony will be happy to hear about this. We all knew it was only a matter of time, after all the two of you have been dating for almost three and a half years. Not to mention all that time you two spent glancing at each other too afraid to make a move. How long did that phase last, almost four years right?" They both blushed and I giggled. "If you want I'm sure my sister will be more than happy to let you have the wedding at the castle." We talked some more and they mentioned that they plan on telling everypony soon. After lunch we said our goodbyes to Vinyl and Octavia. Sliver ran off to play with her friends from school and her friends/ aunts, the cutie mark crusaders (now disbanded). Despite having found their cutie marks and no longer using the club name, having passed it on to other ponies who have yet to find their cutie marks, Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo have remained best friends. They've known Silver since she was born and are considered her aunts like their sisters but Silver considers them her best friends. They also help her out with Diamond Tiara when they can which I am eternally greatful for. Briefly I wonder if Sweetie Belle is still dating Button Mash but I push that thought aside as I teleport back to the castle. As I walk to the throne room I mentally prepare myself for the many tedious and boring duties I have to perform. I promised Tia I would help with some of her duties, her work has increased tenfold over the past month. The increase should be temporary but even the two of us need time to ourselves. When I took over for my sister I told her about Vinyl and Octavia. She agreed to let them to have the wedding here if they want and went to write them a letter before relaxing. Personally I was a little worried about her, she's been acting differently lately. More than once I had caught her in bed with random stallions, one time it was with one of her guards. Two hours later Twilight stopped by and dropped of Silver. Silver was barely awake so I put her to bed and stayed with her until I had to start my own duties as princess.

Authors Note: I'm back and better than ever… okay that last part might be a lie. Anyway going to keep this short, hope you enjoy the edits to the story so far hopefully it's better than the original cause that's what I was going for. Also for those of you who watch RWBY Spark sounds and speaks like Penny. There will be a long author's note at the end of chapter 4. And with this post the original Following Darkness is officially dead.

RIP Following Darkness MK I 4/29/14 - 12/25/15