Chapter Eighteen. Faith awakens.

Queen twilight stopped. And held little Daydream. Whom by now was crying because of hearing that poor Summer having her heart broken. And that Albert died before helping to see Summer adopt the three fillies from Sire's Hollow. After Daydream settled Twilight asked if she wanted her to continue with the story. Daydream just nodded. Well. The sky and the atmosphere were grey and dull. Matching the mood of the crew of Friendship one. There had been deaths at the hands of the Elements of Disharmony and the Obsidians before. But this was different. The three changelings had come to respect Albert. His ability with a sniper rifle could out match theirs, all three of them together. But now he was gone. Selflessly sacrificing himself for two little children he had nether met. I know it hit me hard Daydream I was the one who ordered the mission. I was the one who had sent Albert to his death. Mortimer Brony had been in contact with Earth and relayed the news. Has his colleagues and friends learnt of his death. They flocked to the portal. Demanding to join the Friendship guard. They wanted revenge. Revenge against Tirek and the Elements of Disharmony for killing Albert.

I did allow them. We did need all the help we could get. But sadly, their first duty was to attend the funeral of their fallen friend. Word had also gotten around Ponyville. The Ponies that called the town home waited and waited. Mayor Pipsqueak had had townhall prepared for Albert's coffin to officially lie in state. As Axium explained it. It allows those who just feel his loss yet do not know him to pay their respects and say goodbye. There from the moment the coffin was taken off the ship Axium, Autumn, Daniel and Sam stood dressed in their finest uniforms. Rifles at the ready and heads bowed. Never moving never resting. They watched over their friend. Before his final journey. The days went by and still they stood. And the towns ponies filed past. Placing flowers, teddies, and candles. On the day I asked Axium if he had any particular requirements. I didn't know exactly what to say.

"Your Majesty if I may. Normally we would have a bugler and an honour guard that fire a volley of shots in the air as a salute to the fallen. Now that there are more of our colleagues in Equestria we can do this. Also, normally our nations flag covers the coffin has it is carried to the church". He says. "We will honour your traditions and I will request your nations flag". I reply. But he sticks his hand up. "Not necessary. He was fighting in your service. On behalf of Equestria. Your Flag will be more appropriate". He says. I grant his request. Later outside townhall. Solitary rasp of a kettle drum rings out over the dead silent town. Ponyville had stopped for that day. All shops were closed. Slowly the doors open and outcome Axium, Sam, Daniel and Greyson. Carrying Albert's flag draped coffin slowly to the awaiting carriage. Followed by Autumn who was carrying Albert's Dress uniform cap. She had reddened streaks running down her cheeks. This was from crying. The whole of the Friendship Guard lined the streets of Ponyville.

The ponies along with them. and as the carriage went past, they fell silent and bow their heads. The guard snapped to attention. It continued on its solemn journey slowly until it reached my castle grounds. I decided that it would be a perfect place for him to rest in peace. Axium had arranged for the Officiary that conducted Sunsets and Twilights wedding to conduct the funeral. Axium had shown an Equestrian prayer to him. It was sad and sombra. But dignified. Myself, your father, your brother, your aunties, Sunset, Twilight, their friends, the Dazzlings, Summer and the three fillies. As well as many of Albert's friends were waiting. Slowly we hear the Kettle drum. And the carriage appeared. Axium and the others marching slowly beside it. Followed by Autumn and joined by Albert's brother Edward. Who was dressed in traditional highland garb and carrying a musical instrument call bagpipe. The drum and the carriage stop. Axium, Sam, Daniel and Greyson move to the back of the carriage and are joined by Mordin and Garrus.

Autumn then moved up and places his cap on the coffin with a wreath. She then stands to attention. Takes two steps backwards then salutes the coffin. Tempest had walked up and orders. "Guard attention". And they all snap to attention. "First team positions". And Axium and Garrus move to stand either side of the carts rear. They take hold of the handles and pull the coffin forward. "Second team in position". She orders. And Sam and Daniel move up. They too take the next set of handles and both pairs pull the coffin forward. "Third team positions". Orders Tempest as Edward prepped the bagpipes. Mordin and Greyson take their position. "Guard attention. Prepare to lift. LIFT". Orders Tempest. And the six of them crouch to position the coffin in a way that when they stand it balances on their shoulders. They held one handle and prepared to march. "Left face". Tempest orders and the turn until they are lined up behind the drummer and Edward.

"From the right slow march. March". Orders Tempest and slowly they march. One step at a time. Edward begins to play the most beautiful and emotionally stirring music I have ever heard. Axium later told me the name of the tune. It was called Amazing Grace. Slowly the approached the grave site. The Officiary from Earth start to speak it was an Equestrian Prayer. "Ho Gracious and Beautiful Celestia Queen of the sun. we besiege thee. Bless us with good days so we can fondly remember our brother. Ho Honourable Luna Princess of the moon and night. We besiege thee bless us with kind dreams so we may see our fallen once more. May Harmony's spirit be with you and all of us. Harmony be with you". Most of the mourners repeat. "Harmony be with you". Slowly they lowered the coffin and step away. Edward finishes playing and steps aside. Axium and the others move over and stand next to Kasumi who now faces the coffin. With bowed heads and their rifles. Stocks on the ground both hands on the barrel. Daniel, Sam and Greyson take to holding poles with flags on them.

The Officiary speaks once more. "We gather here today to say farewell to our partner, friend, brother, lover, son and dedicated servant of justice Albert Greene. We should not dwell in doubt. Albert enjoyed the job he had chosen to pursue. In that he did not fear the dangers it held. Now let us pray". And the mourners bow their heads. "Our Father, which art in heaven,Hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom comes. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, The power, and the glory, For ever and ever. Amen". They say. And the mourners repeat. "Amen". The officiary speaks again. "Albert wasa dedicated person; he joined the army and served his nation in the armed conflicts that came. After his time with the military came to an end, his sense of duty was still strong that he decided to become a police officer. A dedicated police officer, whose wit and charm allowed him to deal with the people. His gentle heart and warm spirit allowed him to win the heart and devoted love of his beautiful fiancée Summer. He would use humour to put those around him at ease. He loved the arts especially poetry. And you would sometimes find him writing little ones expressing what he felt for Summer". He steps a side and Summer kisses the three fillies and all four of them move up. She says. "We would like to read one of Albert's favourite poems. It is most appropriate as many of us from Earth will have heard this from time to time. It's called 'To the Fallen'".

(To the Fallen by Laurence Binyon).

Moving up Primrose starts to read it out loud. "With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children,
England mourns for her dead across the sea. Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit,
Fallen in the cause of the free. Solemn the drums thrill: Death august and royal Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres. There is music in the midst of desolation and a glory that shines upon our tears". She stops and Rosebud steps forward. She unlike her sister had met Albert and her eyes water. And slowly she says the next paragraph. "They mingle not with their laughing comrades again; They sit no more at familiar tables of home; They have no lot in our labour of the day-time; They sleep beyond England's foam".

After she read the line she starts to sob. And Primrose hugs her. She knew why. Rose Petal steps forward and sobbingly says. "But where our desires are and our hopes profound, felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight, To the innermost heart of their own land they are known as the stars are known to the Night; As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust, moving in marches upon the heavenly plain, As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkness, To the end, to the end, they remain". She then goes to Summer very upset. Summer picks her up and carries her to read the final passage of the poem. "They went with songs to the battle, they were young, Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow. They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted, they fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them". And she starts to waver now feeling the loss once more. "We will remember them". she covers her face. The other two fillies move over and hugs her as the head back to their seats.

The Officiary steps forward once more. "Albert having been Pure of Heart and love filled spirit gave him the will to protect sons of Adam and daughters of Eve. The strength to sacrifice his own life to save the children of Equestria. For there is no greater love than, a person to lay down his life for his fellow officers, loved ones, friends and family. And we lay him to rest with hope that he finds peace in eternal sleep. For as much as it has pleased our Heavenly Farther in his wise providence to take unto himself our beloved Albert, we therefore commit his body to the ground, Earth to Earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust, in the certain hope of a glorious resurrection unto eternal life through Jesus Christ our lord. Amen"."Amen". Everybody says. Autumn steps up and pulls a bugle and prepares to play. Tempest then nods.

Edward, Iron Hoof, Phalanx and Mothball move over to the coffin. Tempest moves over towards Axium and the others. "Parade. Parade attention". She orders. And they all snap to attention. Kasumi, Garrus, Mordin and Axium presented their weapons. Tempest then orders. "Prepare arms". So, the four of them turn to the right facing Tempest and they held their rifles at an angle and pull back their bolts. Tempest then shouts. "READY, AIM. FIRE! READY, AIM. FIRE! READY, AIM. FIRE! READY, AIM. FIRE"! She only paused each time to allow them to fire a shot in the air. "Parade. Parade Attention. Present Arms". She orders ant the four of them snap to attention. And present their weapons once more. She faces the mourners and repeats one verse of the poem. "They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them".

And the mourners, including myself repeated. "We will remember them". Edward and the others take hold of the flag covering the coffin and begin to slowly fold it as Autumn brought the bugle to her lips. Blowing she played something they called the last post. Tempest Saluted throughout the bugle being played. The mourners were quiet. The respect shown was enormous. And Daniel, Sam and Greyson slowly lowered the flags they held until the lay on the ground. Edward had taken the flag and gave it to Axium and took his rifle. And after Autumn finished, she put the bugle down into its pouch and saluted the coffin. Axium moved over to stand in front of Summer. Leaning forward says. "Ms Hope please accept this flag on behalf of a grateful nation and people". He then stands and slowly salutes Summer. After a few seconds she stands, and the three fillies follow. She moves over and places a single red rose on the coffin. The three fillies follow her.

And slowly the coffin lowers into the grave. I head a line of the mourners. I toss in a flower then move over to Summer. I give her and the three fillies a kiss. Followed by everyone there. Later we all gathered in the main dining room at the castle. Were we told stories and share favourite memories of Albert. When Bright Heart Approached me. "Your Majesty may I have a quick moment of your time". She says. I replied. "Why certainly Bright Heart you may". "In private if you Please your Majesty". I was surprised but agreed. So outside in the corridor I ask. "Bright Heart is there something wrong"? Using her magic Bright Heart removed a sealed envelope. Addressed as such, To HM Twilight Sparkle Rainbow Kingdom of Friendship. Ponyville. "Your Majesty Before speaking to Axium, Summer and the two Fillies Albert asked for some paper, and a pen. And wrote this letter to you. And before he…he asked me to give it to you after his fun…memorial". She says with tears streaming down her face. "Thank you, Bright Heart,". I reply and wipe the tears from her cheeks. She blushed slightly. I do believe even to this day she had just the tiniest crush on me. I send her back on in to help comfort those that needed it. After she had closed the door, I set about opening the letter.

It read. To Her Majesty Princess Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship. Ruler of the Rainbow Kingdom of Friendship. Dear Princess Twilight. If you are reading this then I am gone. I have either returned to earth or I have died on a very important mission for you and Equestria. And I am sorry for all the hurt it may have caused. I wish to portray my last wishes to you. So please take this as my last will and testament. I make of sound mind if not body. My first wish is that I want to be Buried here in Equestria. Somewhere peaceful and beautiful. That would allow My gal Summer to visit when she needs me to listen. My second wish is that my property his bequivered to Summer she may do as she wishes with it. My final wish. Summer as one deep desire in her heart and that is to be a mother. She spoke to me before the mission about three little ones who lost their only parent at the hands of Tirek. I know she wishes to adopt them as her own. I will speak to the three and see if they are in the same mind. Please if they are could you help arrange the adoption for Summer. Yours Faithfull Albert. E. Greene Lieutenant Friendship Guard, Shadowbolts Special Forces unit.

I teleport to my study and leave the letter on the desk. And then Teleport back to the dining room. Just when one of the visitors who had come for the wake had gotten drunk. He was very drunk and as your auntie Pinkie would put it being a mean meanie. He says. "Oh look…hic…the…entertainment is…hic…pin…hic…the tail…hic…on the…hic pretty…hic…little pond…hic…pony…hic". And grabs Rose Petal's Flank. Who squeals in fear. She, Primrose and Rosebud were weary of other humans. But not Axium's team or the girls of Crystal prep. Axium started over to him. But before he could say or do anything. An angry looking Summer, who was dwarfed by the man, taps him on the shoulder. And as he turned his face met Summers right fist. Getting him squarely in the jaw. And knocking him to the ground. She then picks up the crying Rose Petal. Puts a foot onto his throat. "Don't you ever touch these girls again or I will slit your throat from the chin to the ball sack". She says before turning to Primrose and Rosebud. "Come along girls it's time for you three to wash up and ready yourselves for bed". They didn't argue they just simply followed her out. I saw that she had feelings of motherly love towards them and so I resided myself to talk to Luna, Celestia, Cadence Your brother, Applejack and Your father about it in the morning. So, I let them know.

The next morning in my study. "Well she seems to be a little unstable too me". Says Luna. "Beggin Ya pardon Princess but I think I would be as angry as her if I lost my Spike". Replied Applejack before turning to him and they kiss. "Yes, but she did hit that visitor". Says Cadence. "Well he did touch that little one's flank, in their world it is a crime to touch a childlike that". Replied your brother. And they start to bicker. "Please every pony calms down. Let". Says Celestia but still they bicker. "BE QUIET ALL OF YOU". I shout. And they fall silent. I look at Cadence, Spike, Applejack and Luna. "Thank you. Now Princess Celestia what do you think"? I ask and she ponders for a moment. "She was upset which is truly the case at the moment. For example. When You dear sister turned into Nightmare Moon and I banished you to the moon for a thousand years it was myself I blamed not you. And I think that this meeting is really about you Twilight. you're were the one that sent them on the mission. You asked him to face certain death. Which he did without question. And now that he fell in defence of children you feel bad". She says.

I start to sob and say. "It is my fault she is hurting. I was the one who ordered the mission. I was the one who got him killed. I sent Albert to his death". Celestia and your father hold me. As they do, I drop a book I was carrying. And as it hits the floor a piece of paper falls out. Picking it up your father reads it out loud. "If. By Albert. E. Greene. If tears were rain you would send me showers. If smiles were seconds you would send us hours and hours. If kisses were water, you would send oceans and seas. If love where a person life would send you to me. If life conspires for us to meet, then who would say it's not to be. And if your next answer is yes then my life will be complete. So, Summer my hope my dream will you marry me". The room goes completely quiet. Touched by the poem's words. I notice something written on the back. "At least he knew she loved him as much as he loved her". I say and take and turn the paper over.

There on the back was written in big bold letters. 'I thought you would never ask. But. YES, YES I WILL'. We looked at each other in silence and a knock on the door sounds. Axium steps through. "I Take it this meeting is about Summer"? He asks. I nod. "Good. Then have you decided on Albert's last wish. Because if you take too long it will be harder on Summer because she will feel that you are ripping out her heart. and the children will feel hurt too. Especially if you take them from the only mother figure they have known". He says before moving closer. He says. "I have checked to see if the three of them have any other family that could take them in. But unfortunately, they lost their mother after the youngest was born. About six years ago". He pauses.

"And sadly, lost their father when Sires Hollow was attacked. And I now have doubts that they will willingly go anywhere with anybody else. Primrose, Rosebud and Rose Petal actually want and wish to stay with Summer". He continued. There was another knock. A guard steps in. "Your Majesty's your Royal Highnesses and Colonel. Detective Andy Whitetail and a Ms Rebecca Trottingham". He says and both Detective Whitetail and a Mare walks in. She was dressed in a very expensive looking Suit. Luna's expression changed. She looked a little jealous. "It is good to see you again Your Royal Highness. I do wish it was under more happier circumstances". She says and I reply. "Like wise Ms Trottingham. What brings you to Equestria"? she moves closer. "Please everybody let me introduce Ms Rebecca Trottingham. The District attorney and senior prosecutor for the whole of the State of New Colt Land". I say.

She bows in respect. "Ms Trottingham you already have met my son Prince Spike. So, allow me to introduce his Lady Wife Applejack. My new Husband Prince Apple Macintosh. My Sister-in-law Princess Cadence. My Auntie Princess Luna and Ruler of Equestria Celestia". I say and she bows before Celestia once more. "Your Majesty it is a pleasure to meet you. Your Daughter is a credit to you and your people. And Princess to answer your question. I am here to gather evidence against James Tirek and any or all his co-conspirators here in Equestria or back on Earth. It seems that he and several high-ranking officials are suppling weapons and material to our enemies". There was pause. "I want to talk to the kidnaped girls. Sugar Coat, Sour Sweet, Indigo Zap, Sunny Flare, Lemon Zest, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk. The more evidence I can gather. The easier it will be to arrest and prosecute all those responsible". She says and we continued to discuss Summer and the issue of why she was here.

The hours tick by turning into days. so late one night I asked. "Apple Mac dear what do you think I should do"? Your father looks at me and with a warm smile. "Twilight you are smart, beautiful, loving and caring. If you think she will care and love the three girls, then you know the right thing to do". He replies then kisses me. So, through the rest of that night and early in the morning of the next day. I set about making Albert's last wish and Summers greatest one come true. "I have called you all back here to tell you that I have made a decision about Summer". I say to Axium, Celestia, Luna, Applejack, Cadence and Spike. "Please Pray tell". Says Luna. "Well first of all. Thank you Spike for your help last night". I say and your brother replies. "No problem. You know I'm happy to help you. Mom". The look of surprise still etched over the others faces whenever Spike calls me that and me not giving him a disapproving look, still priceless. Well any way back to it. "Yes, I have decided that If Summer wishes to adopt the three girls then I will not stop her". Cadence was about to speak when suddenly there was a lot of commotion and shouting and the sound of the guards running in the corridor. There was an urgent knock on the door. Summer steps through the door. Saluting she speaks. "Forgive the interruptions your Majesties. There is some trouble in Ponyville. It seems some Obsidians entered the town and began to attack its inhabitants". There were gasps from Applejack Your brother and the three princesses. I look at Axium and he turns to Summer. "Specialist call out the rest of the Shadow Bolts". She salutes and replies with. "Sir yes sir". Then Axium turns bows and says. "Excuse me My Princess". And darts out. I summon Ocellus and had her take the three girls to the nursery and I too go to go and fight. I call the Elements of Harmony with the special spell. All of them appear and they say. "Princess please stay here. If we lose you, we will lose this war so please stay here". And they run off. After several hours of fighting nearly all the Obsidians were killed. In the Nursery Ocellus had just open the door and you start to cry. "There there little one. I'm here". Says Ocellus. The three girls approach your crib. "Is this your baby Miss Ocellus"? Asks the girls. "No ho no little ones, Daydream isn't my daughter. She is her Majesty's. so, Daydream is a princess". Replied Ocellus and the girls just sat and watched as Ocellus played with you.

"Your Majesty Recon Specialist Summer Hope reporting". Says Summer bowing before me and the other princess. "Report Summer". I reply. Summer stands then says. "Your Majesty the Enemy have been defeated. The Friendship Guard and the Elements of Harmony have repelled the attack. Nearly all the enemy troops have been killed. And there have been no fatalities on our side. There has been some structural damage to some of the new buildings and minor injuries to the town's inhabitants. Bright Heart and the doctors are dealing with then now. The Elements of harmony are safe. But as a precaution Colonel Axium has had Lady Pinkie Pie, Lady Flutter Shy, Her Royal Highness and Lady wife of His Royal Highness Prince Spike Lady Applejack and Sunset Shimmer Sparkle checked out. Due to the fact that they are with child. And we have managed to capture an enemy soldier with valuable intel".

"Wait Applejack is pregnant. So that's why she's had mood swings". Says Spike. I smile and teary say. Spike son that is wonderful news. Congratulation". I turn and see a slight hint of sadness in Summer's eyes. She had bowed and was starting to leave. "SUMMER WAIT PLEASE". I shout and she stops and turns to face me. I move over to her and say. "Summer before you go, I have something for you". I light my horn with magic and in a puff of smoke three identical forms appear. Then with my horn lit once more I summon Ocellus. Ocellus was in the nursery at the time. Watching over you and the three girls in question. When she felt me summoning her. "Come along girls Her Majesty Princess Twilight wants us all". She says and she picks you up. The three girls follow not knowing what was to happen.

Back in my study. "What is this Princess…"? Summer starts to ask until she read the title of the forms. Equestrian Adoption Services. Ponyville division. Name of Adoptee; Trotsky Primrose aged seven, Rosebud aged six and Rose Petal aged five. "Adoption form but who for"? She asks. I smile at her warmly as your father comes over and he says. "To Director of Adoption Services Ponyville. Dear Sir/Madam referring to the three Orphaned fillies for the Siege of Sires Hollow. Primrose Trotsky aged seven, Rosebud Trotsky aged six and Rose Petal aged five. It is imperative that these little girls are situated in a caring and supportive family unit as soon as possible to help their recovery from their ordeal. And improve the healing process. If there are no suitable candidates please take in consideration one Recon Specialist Summer Hope of the Friendship guard, Shadow Bolt special forces. She has spoken to myself and my Lady wife about adopting a foal. I have seen her motherly side as and when she has taken care of our precious little Girl. So please take this letter as mine and my lady wife indorsement of her application to adopt the fore mentioned fillies. Yours Faithfully Prince Apple Macintosh Rainbow Kingdom of Friendship".

Summer looks shocked so do the other Princess. "But their complete". Summer says. I smile and say. "Not quite you just need to sign them". She reads the second part of the form. Adopter: Hope Summer aged twenty-six. She looks smiles and hug both me and your father. "Thank you, princess, thankyou prince. Thankyou both your Majesty's". Then kisses us both. And quickly signs all three. There is a knock on the door and in steps Ocellus carrying you and accompanied by the three Fillies. Summer moves over and says. "Girls look". And shows them the adoption forms. And all three hug each other and cry with joy. Later that evening Axium and Tempest were questioning the captured Obsidian. "What was your mission here in Ponyville"? Asked Tempest. The Obsidian just grunted at her. "Well you going to answer, or can't you speak". Asked Tempest but the Obsidian just grunted once more.

"Maybe they don't understand modern Ponish". Says Axium. "I do understand sir". The Obsidian says finally. Axium and Tempest move over and whisper. After a few seconds Tempest asks the Obsidian. "Do you have a name"? But again, it doesn't answer. Axium said. "So, what do we call you soldier"? The Obsidian responds. "I do not have a name sir. I am just soldier". Tempest and Axium whisper to each other once more. "Why do you not answer me when I speak to you". Says Tempest. But still no response. Axium then asks. "Do you not like Captain Tempest"? The Obsidian looked at Tempest then back to Axium. "No sir it is not that I do not like her. We are told that mares are for breeding only. Not to talk to them unless it is to tell them it is time to mate". The Obsidian replies before turning to Tempest and asking. "You are a warrior yes"? Tempest responded with. "Yes, I am the commander of Her Majesty's Friendship Guard". The Obsidian then says to Tempest. "Good. Then you are strong. That will make you excellent breeding stock to have. And when my master has won this war. I hope you survive to be one of my mates".

After hours of questioning by Axium they had learnt what they needed. "Your Majesty's the pony, for better words, seems quite obedient and docile happy to share information. Some of it was quite disturbing. Tempest as now become a target of its lust". Says Axium. "What else did you learn Colonel"? Asked Celestia. "Well Princess. They had two missions in Ponyville. One was to cause as much trouble as possible to hide the fact that they are kidnapping Mares from the ages of 16 to 35. For the purpose of breeding an army of Obsidians. The second was to capture Princess Twilight. Once they had captured you, they were to head to Hope Hollow. There they would take the town taking all those of value. Then they would return to their base and complete the rebuilding of their army. Once built they were to launch a full-scale invasion of the Crystal Empire".

In Hope Hollow. Tirek had captured the town. Luckily no pony was killed when they invaded. But all were prisoners. The only ones that were free were Pickle and Barley Barrel. They watched as the Obsidians pushed and beat the inhabitants of the town. "We need to get help. We need to get to her Royal Highness Princess Twilight". Says Pickle. "Agreed. She and her friends will save us". Replies Barley. And so, as darkness falls, they try to sneak out of town. They had reached the rainbow billboard when they bumped into Tirek and three Obsidians. "Why little wretches what are you doing out". Says Tirek. Scared Pickle and Barley froze. "Get them and take them to the cells. They will be punished in the morning". He says as the Obsidians go to grab the twins. Screaming they ran in opposites directions. Chased by the Obsidians.

Pickle and Barley had managed to reach an old rickety barn on the outskirts of the town when Pickle hears Barley squeal. Tirek had grabbed her by the tail. The pain shot up her little body. "Let go of me". She cries. Pickle stops and sees Tirek now holding Barley by the wings. Pickle flies through a hole in the side of the barn. The Obsidians go to chase Pickle. "STOP". Shouts Tirek. Then handing Barley to one of them he moved over to the SUV he was using and opened the tailgate. He pulled out a weapon and moved back over to his men. Taking Barley back off he holds her around her neck. He then raises her and his weapon. Barley flaps furiously to stop herself choking. With an evil laugh he pulls the trigger. With a low pop the weapon fires out a grenade. Shortly followed by a second.

"Look you little flying rat. You'll behave or your next". He says and faces Barley towards the barn just as it exploded. Poor Barley thought that Pickle had been killed. But what she and Tirek didn't know was that there was a hole on the rear side of the barn. Though through the hole he was hit by debris and shards of wood. Managing to get to the forest he watches as Tirek took his sister with him. Before flying as fast as he could. But unfortunately for poor little Barley her ordeal was just beginning. That night has Pickle flew to Ponyville, Tirek savagely beat, sodomized and sexually abused her. The residents could hear her screams and see the shadows of what he was doing to her through the curtains. By the time Pickle got to us Barley was traumatised. That night Pickle just managed to reach the castle doors before collapsing.

"Help please help, an evil army has invaded Hope Hollow". He cries. We brought him in. and he told us all that had happened. "Captain Tempest, Colonel Axium. We need to stop them. The Shadow Bolts and the Twilight battalion along with the Elements of Harmony, from Equestria and Earth will liberate Hope Hollow. Excluding my daughter-in-law, ladies Flutter Shy and Pinkie Pie and Mrs Shimmer Sparkle. They will accompany Princess's Celestia and Luna to Canter-Lot. To help rally troops. Tempest you will take Friendship One and the remaining Friendship Guard units to bolster the Crystal Guards. Cadence you will also go to Canter-Lot with Celestia and Luna". I say.

"What the hell Twilight". Screams Cadence. "You'll all crazy if you think I am not staying by yah side". Says Applejack. "Me too". Adds Pinkie. Flutter Shy didn't say anything. She looked at Sunset. Who was holding her wife's hand. "She's doing it for us. To protect us and because we're pregnant. So, she's also protecting our babies too". Sunset says. I light my horn and Discord appeared in a pink puff of smoke. "Princess you summoned me". He says. "Yes, Discord I have a mission for you. These lovely ladies will need protection. They need it because like your wife, my daughter-in-law and my sister-in-law and Mrs Shimmer Sparkle are carrying a miracle each". I say. He looks and moves over to his wife. "Flutter Shy is this true. We are to have another child"? He asks. And Flutter Shy smiles and blushes. "My Princess I will protect them with all my power and with my Life if necessary". He says.

And with that our guards, friends and family split up and go to their respective destinations. There were only a few guards left in Ponyville. They were moving the children to my castle. Believing it was to be the safest place. But. We were wrong. That was their plan all along. They had waited in the Everfree forest until it was time. They waited until everyone had gone. The six Elements began to attack Ponyville. Drawing what guards were left and myself from the castle. Reason for their attack. To defeat me. Defeat and humiliate me. We fought for hours and hours. The Elements had defeated the guards. But I stood my ground. The elements start to blast me with beams of magic. Some I managed to deflect. Others glanced me making me unsteady on my hooves. More and more beams and I was push back. The obsidians had brought the towns ponies out.

"Ponies of Ponyville look. Look upon your saviour. The one who has promised to protect you. But how can she when she can't protect herself. So, bow. Bow before me". Says Tyrranirum as he hit me with a magic beam that caused me to scream out in pain. "I said bow, or I will kill your beloved princess". And zaps me again. And as I scream, I could feel and see how worried that towns ponies were. And they all start to bow. All except Dinky Hooves Derpy's youngest daughter. "Aren't you a brave little one. I will enjoy the spicy taste". Says Tyrranirum who bares his teeth. "Leave her alone". I say. We had not realised that when she is scared Dinky would hide under her parents' bed. Tyrranirum steps forward. "You don't. don't scare. Scare me". Says Dinky shaking with fear. Tyrranirum and the other elements laughed.

"Well let's show the others why they should". Tyrranirum says. And lights up his horns. And aims at little Dinky and shoots two magic beams at her. I turn muster enough strength to Teleport Dinky out of the way. Just in time. "GET HER". Screams Tyrranirum. And Cinch and Glad Mane go to grab Dinky. Cinch is suddenly sent flying backwards. It was Derpy. She had returned to see the commotion. And landed and with a buck from her very powerful hind legs hit Cinch. "DON'T YOU TOUCH MY DAUGHTER". Screams Derpy. Glad Mane was about to hit Derpy when Sparkler hit him with a magic blast. "You can do it Princess Twilight". says Derpy. Tyrranirum was taken back by Derpy. "Why do you still hold on to a fantasy of her winning". He snarled. Derpy answers with. "Because".

She then looks at the towns Ponies. "Because unlike most ponies, she has never made fun of me. Always hello Derpy. And ask if I'm happy. Or if I'm not helps me to be. She has never once called me, dumb, idiot or A retard or other hurtful names. She treats me the same as any other pony. So, I will always believe that she will save us. And because I have faith in her". She says. Suddenly there is a familiar blinding white light. That sent the Elements of Disharmony flying backwards. "Derpy is right". Says Diamond Tiara who then kicks the obsidian next to her. The faith in Derpy had awakened the missing Element of Harmony. And it had re-energised me and the guards. And emboldened the town. The ponies start to fight back. Until finally we sent Tyrranirum and the others back off to where they came from. We all start cheering. When there was an almighty blast of magic from my castle. With sheer horror, worry and the thought of you being hurt, or worse I flew back to the castle as fast as I could.