My Little Pony: Equestria's Warriors Returns

by Spirit Of Fantasy

After many wars, heavy losses, and violence with enemies. The eldest brother of the royal sisters makes his return, and discovers the student of the sister he blames for their youngest sister's banishment. Now along side this young and talented unicorn, ready to battle evil. He will discover the new world of friendship and love that replaced his world of pain and hateful battles.

26. Chapter 26:The Best Night Ever

Chapter 26:The Best Night Ever

He was a bit nervous for the day that finally came, as he changed behind a curtain. Orion remembered to breath as he used the whole boutique changing room to his hearts content. Yet all it did was give him time to think while watching the mares get together outside. Twilight was currently performing a nice little spell on an apple, turning it into an apple carriage. That appeared to serve as their means of fancy transportation to Canterlot, and the Grand Galloping Gala.

He nodded, feeling a bit impressed for Twilight's magical creativity. She then appeared to be collecting white mice to perform another transformation spell. He shook his head before he got back to dressing himself in black pants rather than shorts. He then put on his old shirt, freshly wash and cleaned before he put on some black boots Rarity made in the same form as his red boots. He was then able to look to his red garments before looking back to Twilight.

Just in time to see her change the white mice into large and majestic horses. Only for Rarity's cat, Opalescence, to jump onto one of the horses and get launched off. Orion couldn't help but to chuckle at the back fire on their plan as the horses took off to the hills.

"Tonight is going to be a hay of a night…! Nothing is going to go right, I swear,"He spoke to himself before looking back to his entire red crystal outfit,"Alright, time to make sure Orion and Crystar show up for this big Gala…!"

He released a deep breath and put his glowing red hands together. He focused his magic into his right shoulder, leg, and neck before red crystals began to form. He closed his eyes and relaxed to let the crystals suddenly grow out of his limbs and slither outward like snakes. They all reconnected with each other and began to mix together into a large ball of crystals. They crackled and sparkled as the ball of crystals grew bigger and began to take on a form.

Slowly, arms and legs began to sprout from his large ball of crystals. A head then followed in kind before the ball began to grow a more sleek and bulky body exactly like his. Hands and feet were next to form before the forming crystals were easy to define what they were turning into. Perfectly imitated crystal eyes opened from the head of the crystal before it collected sunlight. The reflective light allowed the crystal to collect and from the multiple colors required to form the camouflage it needed.

The moment Orion opened his eyes, he looked to his right to see the figure smoothing out. While the colors were worked into the magic and transformed the crystal figure into the perfect clone of himself. From the black hair to the nearly pale skin and even the scar on the side of his face. He managed to make the perfect clone of himself to play the part of Crystar. He parted his hands and took another deep breath to relax his magic before making sure his clone knew what to do.

"Alright, get dressed handsome. You are officially Crystar the first red crystal Bearer,"Orion instructed while the clone nodded and went to the outfit,"We just gotta make this trick last till the end of the Grand Galloping Gala. You won't need to play Crystar for too long."

"Don't worry… Crystar always had an easy personality to imitate…"The clone replied and casually got dressed before they both heard the boutique door open.

"Mind talking to them till I handle the cold hooves I'm getting?"Orion asked his splitting image before it did so with a bow and departed out from the changing curtain.

Just in time to meet the mares that slowly entered the boutique to get ready themselves. They saw the duplicate with the outfit on, but the moment they saw the same sort of figure behind the curtain. Twilight felt her heart begin to beat hard and drop a bit. This meant that the time had come for Orion's true self to be revealed to her friends. She was quiet, but that didn't mean her friends would fall silent the moment they saw the scene.

"Looking good as always, my friend. So are you ready for the Gala?"Rarity asked while prepping the room for her friends to get their make overs and last minute maintenance.

"Just about! Just gotta get over these cold hooves I've got,"Orion suddenly called and made all but Twilight jump the moment they saw him still behind the corner,"Yeah… I guess this would be the best time to actually introduce myself properly to all of you…!"

"Who's…? If that's you…! Then who's…?"Rainbow Dash stopped and looked to the duplicate and back to the Orion behind the curtain.

"You think you're ready?"Twilight revealed that she knew who he truly was.

"Yeah… Might as well… Just do it like a band aid. Just do it quick…!"Orion sighed before hooking up his old silver crown to his pants and summoning his courage.

"Ok…! Girls…? I have to confess that I have been keeping who he truly was a secret,"Twilight confessed to her friends before the clone walked to her side,"I promised to keep his identity a secret till he was ready to reveal himself… So without further a do…! I present…!"

"Just let him do it…!"The clone insisted before watching Orion come out from behind the curtain and show himself to the mares.

Slowly the prince stepped out from the curtains, his size was easy to adjust to. However, his face took all but Rarity, Applejack, and Twilight by surprise. His red eyes descended to the mares while they thoroughly looked over his entire face. From the black hair to the scars they could see on his face, it pieced together a bizarre, yet very interesting creature that called itself a pony. He let out a sigh as they all remained fixated on his face, while Orion himself gave a proper introduction.

"My name is Orion…! Prince Orion. First born child of the royal family,"He began to give his name and who he truly was under the cloak,"I'm a prince and warrior of Equestria. For the longest time, I was the defender of harmony that was maintained by princess Celestia and princess Luna! My two little sisters…!"

"You're a prince…?"Applejack questioned, showing off her understandable shock for the revelation.

"You're the big brother of both princesses?"Rainbow Dash added another question regarding his relationship with the royal family.

"That's why you were such good friends with my pappy!"Fluttershy realized the truth behind his relationship with Typhoon Breeze.

"That's why you gave us the name, O. O is short for Orion!"Pinkie pointed out the more obvious truth about their tall friend.

"I always knew from the day I saw your face, that you were so much more than you let on…!"Rarity admitted her suspicions that never ceased since she saw his face.

"I didn't even knew a big brother of the princesses even existed…!"Rainbow Dash admitted her lack of knowledge of the royal family.

"Princess Celestia tried to erase him from Equestria's history after what happened to princess Luna,"Twilight looked to Orion and then to her friends to continue,"They had a falling out after what happened, and he chose to leave. We think any knowledge that remains of him exists in the old castle in the forest."

"So there's a good bit of family dysfunction going on between you and princess Celestia."Applejack responded after seeing his silver crown hooked to his pants, stopping her from questioning who he was.

"Yes… And I'll be honest. I don't have the highest hopes for our family to rekindle at the Gala."Orion admitted his doubt about the events that will transpire at the Gala.

"You won't know if you don't really try…"Fluttershy replied to his hopeless belief before they all went on to get themselves ready for the Gala.

"Mistakes or not, there has to be a time where you're willing to try and heal what's been broken,"Twilight explained her opinion on Orion's issue with Celestia,"If you don't. You'll only torture yourself and your sisters even further till there's nothing left in either of you."

"And believe me, partner. That ain't something you should do to your family."Applejack added before her and Pinkie Pie were getting their manes fixed up.

"I know… When you're in the position I am in… You will understand how difficult it is to do just that,"He replied with a sigh and thought about just leaving for some air,"Would you like me to leave you ladies alone to get ready?"

"Nah, you're quite fine there your majesty. You look like you could use the company."Applejack was quick to stop Rarity from wanting him to leave for a meaningless reason.

"Well, what am I suppose to do? I'm already cleaned up and prepared."Orion said, only to get interrupted by a knocking on the door.

"Come on, guys. Let me in!"Spike called from behind the door with a pout.

"Alright, don't get your scaly shorts in a bunch, Spike!"Orion yelled back before opening the door, only to be stopped by Rarity.

"Heavens no! We're getting dressed!"Rarity whined about the proper decency, but the meaningless reason to do so.

"Dressed? Uh, beg your pardon, Rarity. But… We don't normally wear clothes aside from O-… Orion here."Applejack felt the need to remind Rarity the unnecessary need for privacy.

"Yeah, I'm the only one with goods that need covered up with clothes."Orion added to that and got Rarity to relent and open the door for Spike.

"Sorry, Spike. Some of us do have standards."Rarity apologized before letting the baby dragon come on in to join the rest of the group.

"I still can't believe we're gonna be in Canterlot tonight. Our home town, Twilight,"Spike exclaimed as he sat up on a chair to relax,"And the best part is that we get to hang out together, all night long!"

"Uh… I…I don't know, Spike."Rainbow Dash had to be the one to crush his hopes a little bit.

"We'll just have to see…"Rarity added to the crushing as she did her eyebrows a bit.

"We're going to be mighty busy…!"Applejack at least offered up a reason for them not hanging out.

"Busy having fun!"Pinkie finished before her mane was done and puffed back up into it's poofy form.

"Oh… Ok…"Spike felt a little defeated by not having any friends to hang out with during the Gala.

"Don't worry, Spike. We'll all get to spend some time together."Twilight promised, happily picking Spike's spirit back up.

"No doubt, Spike. We just need to handle the boring stuff that may just put you to sleep,"Orion offered a better reason for them not being able to hang out at the Gala,"Trust me, you don't want any of the awkward crap that's gonna go down between me and Celestia."

"Wow… That's a good point actually…"Spike admitted and was now more than able to understand their needs for personal Gala encounters.

---

Hours later they were all in the apple carriage, except for Spike and Orion's duplicate. While the mares spoke among themselves, Orion was left to wonder about what to expect. So many bad things were possible, and so few good things were possible in this long awaited encounter. The only means of entertainment he felt, came from his clone defending Spike from the feisty stallions that pulled their carriage. The silence did not last long before Twilight felt the need to include him in the conversation.

"You've been quiet… Aren't you at least excited a bit to see your sisters? I'm sure Luna will be happy to see you for real this time."Twilight made conversation to shake him out of his distracting thoughts.

"Of course I am… I just worry if Celestia truly has changed her views on what's most important in life,"He explained his concerns that then trailed off to a more dangerous threat that lingered,"Plus we can't forget about the warning that cinder pony left us with… The Gala may very well come under attack by groups of those ashen abominations…!"

"Well… That would be their mistake…! We got an awesome warrior and his clone to pummel those guys!"Rainbow Dash confidently stated.

"Plus pappy Typhoon is going to be there with Thunder Blitz…!"Fluttershy added the fact that other warriors were going to be there.

"And didn't you say something about another warrior watching the entire castle like a hawk?"Rarity curiously asked a question regarding the more mysterious and more fearsome of the warriors.

"Shadow Swirl? Yes… She's a kind and gentle soul to the innocent and children alike,"Orion admitted his words he spoke of that regarded the pony of shadows,"Others… Not so much… You should simply be thankful that she's on our side… Her skills and power over dark magic would consume everything…!"

"Will we get to meet her at the Gala?"Twilight asked after feeling curiosity piqued for another warrior.

"Possibly… You'll see her shadow connecting with all of yours to put every pony on her radar,"Orion explained as they were starting to approach the mountain base,"She'll know where you're going, what you're doing, and who you are at all times."

"Then there's nothing to worry about! The castle will probably be the safest place in the world!"Pinkie cheered while Orion looked out the window once more.

"I hope so…"Orion said before sighing again and awaiting their arrival to Canterlot.

They traveled upon a mountain pass and made a long journey up the mountain. The night was approaching the moment they had finally made it up to the mountains mid section. They slowly entered the fancy and very clean looking city that was refined and pure like. Orion found himself a bit taken by the city's sights and ponies that were converging towards the castle. He went to the other window to stare out to the city from another angle before they approached the castle.

He went to the back window to see the city one more time before looking to the castle. Slowly their carriage came to a stop before the castle gates before the door open. Spike and Orion's duplicate were there to greet them as they all got out of the carriage, just in time to bewilder Spike with their collective beauty.

"Whoa…! You all look… Amazing!"Spike admitted as they all looked to the castle.

"I can't believe we're finally here…! With all that we've imagined,"Twilight thought as she walked in front of the group with growing excitement,"The reality of this night is sure to make this… The best night ever!"

With that said, Orion and his clone let the mares and Spike go forward. Allowing them to follow from behind, giving them the chance to hype themselves up for this great meeting. Twilight and her friends began to sing as they entered the festive castle grounds. Their celebration distracted all, but Orion from the fact that a pitch black shadow had suddenly appeared. It connected to every pony's shadow like a tentacle attaching to their heads as they all approached the castle.

"Geez… Shadow Swirl is on high alert this night…"The clone noticed the tight security in the form of all shadows being connected to the dark mass.

"The Gala tends to have it's assortments of troubles… She needs to be watchful for thieves and trouble makers."Orion responded to his clone and looked to see Thunder Blitz and Typhoon waving to them before entering the castle.

"Whether the Cinders show up or not… This attack of there's will fail."The clone wanted to be sure that his true self was aware of the high security the castle was under.

"One can never assume anything…"Orion replied before a shadow swooped over him, forcing him to look to the sky.

"Orion! You actually came!"Came the excited calls of a most spirit warming mare.

He heard that mare land behind him and his duplicate with a gentle, metallic clop of silver shoes. He slowly turned around and saw none other than Luna herself standing before them. She wore a more than blissful smile that forced a smile to his face as well. They stood there for a moment, taking in the moment that they could physically meet each other since their meeting in the old castle. Finally, Luna was first to start walking towards him as pony crowds took notice of the scene.

Orion slowly began to walk towards her, only for Luna to start running to him. He simply kept walking and braced for her before she almost jumped to him and wrapped her arms around him. He slowly hugged her back nice and tight, embraced in the warmth of family love.

"You really came to the Gala… I was worried you weren't going to come…!"Luna exclaimed and nuzzled against her brother's neck and breathed deeply to relax.

"I wasn't about to lie and turn my back on my family once more."Orion replied as he kept hugging his little sister till she felt satisfied.

"The days have been difficult without you at our side, Orion,"Luna felt the need to confide about her struggles in adjusting to the new world,"Ponies are uneasy around me, and now we have these new ponies of ash trying to assassinate me and Tia…!"

"I know… Thankfully, Shadow Swirl has kept you safe this whole time,"Orion admitted while looking to their shadows that were attached to the pitch black shadow lines,"She's got the place secured nice and tight. Nothing will get in without her seeing it."

"I know… Please, come in, brother. Tia has been slowly making your name known once more,"Luna insisted while pulling his arm to get him to follow with the clone right behind him,"She's been waiting so patiently to see you again…!"

"Wait…! Just wait for a moment…! Why don't we just take a walk around for a bit,"Orion stopped her for a moment to suggest an alternate approach to Celestia as he looked to his clone,"Mind going to Celestia and telling her that I arrived?"

"Of course… Enjoy."The duplicate replied and walked before them to go inside the castle.

"What is it? I thought you were willing to finally see Tia again?"Luna felt a bit concerned that he hesitated to meet with Celestia.

"I just… Would like to just relax, and enjoy the Gala. So I can work up the courage to face her is all,"Orion was honest about himself still having cold hooves all the way from Ponyville,"I haven't even got a chance to see this new castle…! Care to give me a tour?"

"Well… Of course. So long as you're willing to see Tia on the way in,"Luna offered a deal for the tour he ask for that Orion simply couldn't avoid,"You won't be able to get in without her noticing. Plus there are many ponies that wish to meet you."

Orion sighed and allowed Luna to take him forward up the castle stairs. The eyes of curiosity remained on them, even after they finally made it up the flight of stairs. Slowly, they entered the castles main hall, where literally hundreds of fancy and noble ponies converged. The sight of the brother and sister captured their attention, some recognized Orion from what Celestia told them. Others appeared confused by what he was, and who he was.

"Didn't know so many nobles now existed through out one city already."Orion took notice of all the ponies that looked to them with mixed feelings.

"Tia has begun to see much nobility and good from many ponies,"Luna explained as they finally noticed Celestia speaking with Twilight and his duplicate,"You'll find that she has changed a lot more than you know… Care to go so hello now?"

"I… I don't know…"Orion wanted to back out after seeing how close he was to seeing Celestia.

"Come on now… She's been waiting a thousand years for her family to return to her,"Luna reminded him as she gave him a gentle push forward,"Give her this one chance… Even if it's just for the night."

He sighed, and began to contemplate what to do and how to make this easier. Quickly he just did it like quickly taking off a band aid, and disappeared in a flash of red magic. He then reappeared right behind Celestia herself, his heart was about ready to cease from this very moment. He swallowed, and he tried reaching to her shoulder to get her attention. He then declined it and went with a more dignified and stern approach before clearing his throat and speaking her kid name.

"Tia…?"He barely spoke loud enough for Celestia to hear as her left ear perked up.

"Uh… Excuse me Mr and Mrs West Wood…! I think I… Have a special guest."Celestia grew nervous after hearing the voice before noticing Twilight and the clone look behind her.

"I was starting to think you weren't actually going to show up…!"Twilight exclaimed before her mentor slowly began to turn around and see her brother for the first time in a thousand years.

It appeared as if they were stuck in time, the brother and sister of much conflict were silent. Celestia's mane blew in the wind much more than it normally did by itself. She almost felt as if she was choking on her words as she felt her heart pound against her chest. It was warm, happiness did in fact fill her body as her eyes twinkled like her brother's. The ponies that waited in line struggled to see what was holding them up, and were growing concerned for the princesses strange behavior.

Orion could tell she was feeling just as weak in the knees as he did, even though she had no knees. He sighed, and waited for his sister to slowly recover from the surprise she's been begging to have. She still looked weak in the knees and all she was able to do at the moment was reach for him. Slowly he gripped her white hoof before it could even touch his neck. He let his cheek nestle against her hoof before she was finally able to find the right words and force them out.

"Orion… I… I can't believe it's… Actually you…! You actually came,"Celestia stuttered over her words before she manage to get her other hoof around him for a hug,"Please… Everything I've ever done…! I never wanted to truly hurt you or my sister. Please, forgive me for my failure thousands of years ago…!"

"Lets… Lets just enjoy this night, and we will speak of our… Problems…another time."Orion insisted that they drop the subject until further notice, or at least until the end of the Gala.

---

Meanwhile in the throne room where the guests were celebrating with drinks and food. Thunder Blitz sat at a table to the corner, watching all the ponies celebrate the Gala. While they danced, sang, ate and drank punch elegantly with manners, he was getting his own drink on. He was graced to know that Canterlot castle was the last lace in the world where strong punch still existed. This allowed him to get mugs after mugs of punch, just so he could get himself inebriated.

His reason for really hammering down the drinks was standing proudly by the window to the left. The three top Wonderbolts were here and meeting many of their greatest fans. While they indeed took the glory in, Thunder glared with old hatred and memories flooding back in. He knew the real story behind the Wonderbolts, and he felt the only thing they deserved was to get shut down. Thankfully the castle was deemed a warrior's sanctuary, so they couldn't touch him here.

However it brought little comfort to him when he witnessed all the glory they got. Such ponies that were sinful and bared a dark past should have no glory in the things they do now. He chugged down his third mug of strong punch and slammed the mug down before he got the slight dizziness. Now he was ready to do what he wanted to do the minute he felt plastered enough. He was going to embarrass them in front of hundreds of ponies and tear into them with his alcohol enhanced displeasure.

He got up from his chair after pushing his empty mugs away. He slowly began to march his way towards the Wonderbolts, ready to give them his slurred two cents. Only to freeze and hide behind a crowd the moment he saw Rainbow Dash fly in and meet with the Wonderbolts. They greeted her, and it appeared that they were some what interested in her, this spelled trouble. He wasn't about to let Rainbow continue to buy in to the Wonderbolts's nonsense and over controlling ways.

"Oh hay no…! This ain't happening on my watch…!"Thunder growled before he began to march once more over to the Wonderbolts.

"Hay yeah! Names Rainbow Dash!"Rainbow was just in the middle of introducing herself to her heroes.

"Well, Rainbow Dash. Looks like your skills saved us again. Oh…well… At least they saved Soarin's apple pie!"Spitfire was complimenting on Rainbow's skill that saved Soarin's pie.

"Yeah…!"Soaring added while stuffing his face full of apple pie.

"Wanna come hang out with us?"Spitfire offered before Thunder finally stopped them there.

"What is going on here…you Wonderbutts still trying to rope good flyers into your putrid…cult?!"Thunder questioned loudly to get a scene going through the whole throne room.

"Oh my gosh…!"Rainbow's ears drooped, she wanted to cover her eyes, knowing that there was going to be Tartarus.

"Well well well…! The Rogue Lightning Bolt…! I guess the princess just lets any random pony into the Gala,"Soarin decided to be the big talker and stand up against Thunder,"Don't you have some more punch to guzzle or some mischief to cause to our academy?"

"Nah… I already nipped on strong punch. And the princess? I protected her sorry flank for thousands of years,"Thunder chuckled obnoxiously and knocked heads with Soarin,"You little kids don't even compare to what I've done! So as far as I'm concerned… YOU…are the random ponies here…! Random ponies in horrid tight spandex, no less!"

"You got business with us or are you here to abuse your sanctuary here?"Spitfire questioned while Thunder simply shoved Soarin to the side to meet her face to face next.

"Yeah…! Do me a favor…and keep your distance from the element of loyalty, will you,"Thunder suddenly warned the Wonderbolt, concerning the safety of Rainbow Dash,"She doesn't need to get too involved with a band of killers hung up on some sort of inferiority complex…!"

"Thunder, please… Can I just have my chance to han-… Killers?"Rainbow suddenly stumped over the fact that he suddenly labeled the Wonderbolts, as killers.

"Oh , so you Wonderbutts left your little unjustified slaughter of the Cloud Ponies out of your Wonderbolt regimen,"He questioned before most of the Pegasus ponies in the room gasped at such an accusation before silence took over for a solid minute,"Your momentary silence says all…!"

"That's just a big myth you probably made up! There's no such thing as a Cloud Pony!"Spitfire chose to deny that his accusation had any hint of truth to them.

"Not any more there's not thanks to your general Swift Winds. Biggest savage beast yet!"Thunder suddenly triggered a nerve in Soarin before he gave Thunder a shove away that began to scare even Rainbow Dash.

"You got something to say about a historical Pegasus hero?! Swift Wind was a strong and honorable general!"Soarin defended what was most likely his hero and inspiration from the looks of his body language.

"Soarin, stand down…! He's not worth it, and you don't want security coming in!"Spitfire commanded Soaring to back down.

"Yeah…! He's a piece of trash that I took great pride in knocking into Mt Ghoul,"The ponies gasped even more the moment they heard Thunder admit to slaying a Wonderbolt general,"No punishment was too severe for a stallion that commands death upon the innocent and gentle!"

Soarin suddenly triggered the moment he heard that barrage of insults. He turned around and ran straight at Thunder, Spitfire couldn't holler quick enough before Soarin slammed his head into Thunder's chest. Thunder simply slumped and performed an awkward and slow roll under Soarin. He charged a bit of static into his left back hoof and sent a high kick into his attacker's belly. Soaring flew high until he came to a halt, slamming his back against the throne room ceiling.

"Thunder don't! This is my one chance to-"Rainbow Dash begged before Soarin cut her off by coming down and punching a cross guard Thunder threw up with his hooves.

"He threw the first punch! Tough stallion here apparently wants it!"Thunder yelled before grabbing Soarin's arm and flipping him over his head and slamming the Wonderbolt back first to the floor.

"You're a shadow of a former warrior who does nothing but cause trouble for good ponies!"Soarin yelled before barely being able to lift his leg up and kick Thunder in the nose.

"Good ponies?! All you do is control and put good flyers under hoof to preserve a lust for dominance over the sky!"Thunder yelled and recovered from the kick fast while Soarin had just manage to get back up.

Soarin went for a running right hook, but his hoof was then grabbed by Thunder. His speed and precision left Soarin at his mercy as he reared back with a big right hoof of his own. Electricity circulated through his right arm and turned into an orb that surrounded his hoof. He was ready to send Soarin into the next world with a strong hook that he swung slow, but with lethal force. Soarin closed his eyes to brace for the hit, only to feel the wind of the hoof blast through his mane.

He opened his eyes to see a column of lightning sparking and shooting all around him. While Thunder's hoof appeared to have been stopped less than an inch from Soarin's face. Closer view showed that Thunder was struggling with a sudden pitch black mass that coiled around his body. His whole shadow went pitch black and appeared to be the source of the snake like mass. It was then that a shadow that connected to his own was slowly approaching, before a familiar voice hollered at him.

"Thunder Blitz! Almost a thousand years, and you start crap when we finally get to meet!"Came the female voice that sounded stern, but kept a slight bit of gentleness about it.

He looked out the corner of his eye after seeing Soarin was forced to sit down by the same black magic. He saw the black figure of a unicorn mare approaching him slowly. Her disapproving and fully irritated look made Thunder bow his head before she tapped her left front hoof. It forced Thunder to sit down before she got between both stallions and shoved them both back. She made sure Soarin was in the grip of his leader before she took control of the situation.

"You! Keep your Wonderbolt on a leash or he's out on his flank next time,"She yelled to the Wonderbolts before turning to the drunken Thunder Blitz,"YOU! You are getting a cold shower and you're going to bed! Every pony else, remain calm and return to the festivities…!"

The mare in black grabbed Thunder by his hoof and began to drag him through the room. Taking him towards the main doors out of the throne room to get him sobered up. Before they left the room however, Thunder quickly took out a necklace that blended in with his fur and mane.

"Rainbow!"Thunder suddenly called to the embarrassed Pegasus before tossing it.

"What is it now…? Whoa!"Rainbow Dash quickly braced and caught the yellow and gray necklace shaped completely like clouds.

"Her name was Cloudlia! She couldn't stop the Wonderbolts from killing her people! So she asked me to take her home,"Thunder called out to her as he neared the exit,"She gave me that! And passed away in her dying home, happy…! The race of cloud ponies died along with her! And those scum bags serve the pieces of trash that took great pride in their destruction…!"

"Come on Rainbow Dash…! You don't have to listen to this guy and his crazed babbling."Spitfire wrapped a hoof around Rainbow and insisted that she came with them.

"Don't fall for their charm and theatrics! Whether they know it or not, they'll make you serve a monster in the end!"Thunder called out before the doors opened and Thunder was out the door.

This left Rainbow Dash with great conflict as she looked to the cloud necklace. It's gleaming yellow color complimented it's gray cloud center piece while actual cloud like mist emanated from it. This now left her to think for a bit about the Wonderbolts while she went off to hang out with her heroes. Even when it now felt as if they weren't as heroic as she once thought. It wasn't more than a few moments later before Orion arrived with his sisters and even Twilight.

By that time, the scene was already cleaned up and every pony was back to normal. Celestia simply chose to let every pony in line simply come in to enjoy the party. This allowed her to not only spend proper time with Twilight, but now she could rekindle with her whole family. Twilight could tell that there was a lot of tension and mixed feelings among these three siblings. Though at least she could be here to enjoy this moment, rather than stuck greeting guests with her mentor.

"I can't form the proper words to say how happy I am to see that you've returned,"Celestia broke the ice once they were in the middle of the throne room,"I've been praying and juggling every possible way I could have greeted you and shown you how much has changed…!"

"Believe me, I saw how much has changed…! The ponies around Equestria are far more peaceful in nature,"Orion decided to just tell her what he has experience so far,"A gentle nature has taken the place of the misery and hardship that was our old world. New friendships have been forged and rekindled. New magic has been rising ever since I started…watching your prized apprentice from afar."

"You have? I mean…you have! So you too see Twilight's potential?"Celestia asked before Orion gave a sneaky sly look to Twilight.

"I do… I'm just curious to discover what that power is, and I'm not talking about the elements,"Orion stopped for a moment to look out to a large window to their right,"There was more than the elements involved in the purification of Luna… The elements alone would have simply sealed her back into the moon…. Something else awoke in your student that cleansed her, rather than seal her away…"

"I wish I could say what it was… But only time will tell, brother…"Celestia spoke her wise words before Orion simply closed his eyes and went to the punch.

"I know that… We've spent almost two thousand years of time in this world,"Orion responded as he poured himself a drink and decided to make sure Celestia wasn't getting too excited,"By the way, keep in mind… I'm just here till the end of the Gala. I must be off again afterwards…"

"What…? I mean… Are you sure?"Celestia got a bit worried, as did Luna and Twilight.

"Yes… Don't get the wrong idea. You have come far in the last a thousand years, little sister,"He answered and sipped his punch to keep his thought calm and collected,"But there are still wounds that require some…TIME… To heal."

"How long, and how much more must I do…?"Celestia asked, feeling the urge to try a bit harder to gain his trust.

"You don't need to do anything…! Just wait is all… Only time will tell,"Orion responded to her next question before finishing his punch,"Till then, we have all night to rekindle, Tia… So let us make the night count. You'd be surprise what the night can do for ponies when it is allowed to shine…!"

"I can't believe I'm actually seeing this…! Princess Celestia, just so humble before her brother…"Twilight whispered with disbelief at her mentor's sudden humility.

"Orion has more than earned our utmost respect and trust… He has defended us for eons,"Luna whispered back to Twilight to bring her more understanding about the family,"He's fought through blood, death and fire for us… For that, we must show him the greatest respect that can be given for such a warrior…"

"So instead of feeling destroyed and thinking you failed to keep me. How about we enjoy the night,"Orion suggested and brought a bit of comfort to the hurt Celestia,"Come now! Let us all toast to our rekindled family and pray for a speedy forgiveness and rebuilt bridges between us!"

He poured drinks for him, Celestia, Luna, and even Twilight some punch. He offered them all drinks, getting the smiles to come to their faces, even Celestia couldn't resist the urge to celebrate. They held their cups for a moment and lifted them to the air to toast. They hit their cups together gently and appropriately before they all took big sips of their drinks. After that hearty sip of punch, Twilight knew for sure that she was in for a fun night with a whole royal family.

---

Just outside, Applejack appeared to not be getting much business at her apple stand. Ever since she sold one apple pie to the Wonderbolt Soarin, business just suddenly ceased. She sighed, feeling a bit worried and defeated by the lack of bits she was making off her desserts. She looked around, and even tried to flag down some customers, and even that failed. However, her prayers for some business were soon answered in the form of a hoof within an open hoof tip horse shoe slapping down on her stand.

Applejack quickly looked up, and almost jumped back and onto her flank. Her scare caused by the very same pitch black shaded mare that had carried Thunder Blitz out of the throne room. Applejack was slow and hesitate to stand up before she gulped and approached the stand.

"W-welcome to the Apple family stand ma'am! Can I get you anything?"Applejack appeared very nervous and even sweating a bit before the mare then giggled.

"Sorry about that. Applejack was it? Please forgive me for the form you see right now,"The mare giggled and released a deep breath before letting her black shade ripple and dissipate,"I tend to take this dark form to blend with my shadows. It helps me observe and watch over the castle…!"

"Watch over the castle…? Wait a pea picking minute! That means you must be… Shadow Swirl!"Applejack made an assumption that the mare gladly awarded for being correct.

The shadows rippled and melted off her body slowly, revealing her deep purple fur. Her mane began to get wavy and flow with the wind, even when bundled up into a pony tail. Her heavy black circles around her eyes to mimic eye liner actually complimented her black and bright purple eyes. She reached into a left pocket to her old and slightly dirty black clerics robe. She then pulled out ten bits and tossed them down before she ordered some apple treats.

"Some apple cider and an apple tart will do nicely, please?"She asked politely while Applejack slowly complied and got her the apple treats she asked for.

"Sorry about jumping like that…! You just caught me by surprise. Wasn't thinking I would get much more business,"Applejack admitted with a nervous chuckle and scratched the back of her neck,"How did you know about me by the way?"

"Well for one thing, You were mentioned in a couple friendship lessons your friend Twilight sent to Celestia,"Shadow Swirl was kind enough to explain her occasional recon on things outside and in the castle,"Plus your shadow tells me everything when I'm connected to you."

"Whoa…! So that's what that there dark stuff on my shadow was. I guess I missed that info from Orion."Applejack looked to her darkened shadow before seeing the tether to it did indeed come from Shadow Swirl's shadow.

"Yes, apologies for that. Can't be too careful with how some ponies can be these days,"Shadow Swirl informed while slowly and lightly sipping her drink,"My, this is quite the delicious apple cider we have here…! It baffles me that you're not having more business here."

"Me too… I wonder if apples just aren't to the taste buds of Canterlot's finest?"Applejack wondered, while shadow Swirl already knew the answer to that.

"No… It's not their taste buds, but I know how to fix this…!"Shadow Swirl decided to do a solid for the kind earth pony before taking off her manes hair band to let it all down and free.

She then lifted her head a bit before her robe suddenly burst into black smoke. Before it then dissipated, leaving a bare deep purple body behind, allowing her to breath more. She was then able to work some of her charm after eating a piece of an apple tart, and giving her compliments.

"My my…! These apple delicacies are simply divine…! Possibly the best, all around Equestria,"The unicorn had then put on the perfect fake high class voice that did catch the attention of many ponies,"I have the mind to offer you a place as my personal chef, my dear Applejack of the Apple family!"

"Uh…thank you very kindly…! All uh…delicacies are freshly made to perfection!"That was all that Applejack needed to play along to before her stand was suddenly being swarmed.

Applejack was suddenly quick to get to work passing around and trading her apple treats around. Her business began to really boom so suddenly, she almost couldn't get her register ready. Apple tarts, apple fritters, apple pies, candy apples, and so many more were being requested. She had a feeling that this was ow going to become quite the profitable night at the Gala. She broke a sweat as she looked to all the ponies ordering apple treats, while Shadow Swirl slyly walked behind her to disappear back into the shadows.

"Whoa nelly! This just turned into the best night of my life! I can't believe you did this for me,"Applejack spoke loud through the crowd before seeing Shadow Swirl wearing her robe again,"Thank you so much! I owe you big time for this, Shadow Swirl!"

"No problem… Applejack…"Shadow Swirl answered in a sudden solemn tone before slowly disappearing into the shadows while tying up her mane into a pony tail again.

---

Back in the castle, Orion was simply moving to the music. Though it felt far too gentle and not spirit lifting, this sort of party would not even be called a party by Pinkie Pie. He simply moved t the music, whether it was amusing and party like or not. He watched as Celestia and Luna spoke with Twilight, enlightening her on some much needed information regarding their family. He was then interrupted by his own duplicate that cleared his throat, appearing to have some less than savory news.

"What is it?"Orion asked quickly, a bit nervous for the private time that he had.

"I saw strange characters enter the castle. They wore rain coats and black hats to look like a religious party."The clone whispered to Orion, making the prince cringe a bit with concern.

"How did Shadow Swirl not see them come in?"He asked his clone before the mares were returning to speak with him.

"I don't know… But If you wish. I can go find Shadow Swirl before trouble arrives."The clone made a more than proper suggestion, just like the real Orion would make.

"Do it…! But don't frighten the guests. Thunder stirred some trouble up and it's got the ponies nervous…!"Orion whispered quickly and sent the clone on his way to find Shadow Swirl's.

"What were you and Crystar just talking about?"Celestia asked upon approaching her brother.

"Nothing… He just got curious about some old books he wished to catch up on,"Orion answered and put his straight face back on to hide the trouble from them,"Enough about me, now. I suppose the three of you are getting along just fine?"

"Oh, we are just marvelous, Orion! I just got done telling Twilight about the ten guardians."Luna was more than ready to start chatting it up about their past.

"Oh…! Don't think too much on it, Twilight. I'm certain you would do all the same for the family you love."Orion at least wanted to make that clear before he got the unneeded praise.

"It's just a wonder what you were willing to give up and risk for your family,"Twilight got a little closer and put her hoof to his chest,"You may come off as a rough and combative guy. But it's wonderful to see that there is a very passionate stallion in you…!"

"Well of course…! We may be warriors meant to safe guard Equestria to whatever means,"Orion started before looking to both of his sisters,"But we are ponies as well. We make mistakes, and we can feel love and compassion as well. Even when it's hard to see…!"

"Took us quite some time to realize that for all the warriors we came to know. Excluding Shadow Swirl and Typhoon of course."Celestia casually added to that explanation.

"Any who… What is this odd and very unlively kind of music and celebration,"Orion was quick to change the subject once he noticed the quiet music and the unspirited swing dancing,"What kind of party is this? Are we suppose to be enjoying a big celebration, or are we at a funeral?"

"You… Do not like the music and dancing theme selected for the Gala?"Celestia asked a bit nervous for her brother's lack of enjoyment.

"It's all quiet and fancy and just disconnecting! Where's the celebrating, where's the spirit and festive music?!"Orion asked before Celestia suddenly released an exasperated breath of relief.

"Thank the elements, it's not just me who thinks that way! I'm sorry, but so many fancy and high class pony and nobles demand such music,"Celestia panted and showed just how bored she actually felt when it came to the Gala,"Believe me, if I could solely decide the party themes to something more festive, I would do it in a heart beat…!"

"Well… Me and Twilight happen to know some pony that may be able to change that,"Orion reassured while Twilight instantly lit up to the pony that could fix this,"You know where Pinkie Pie might be, Twilight?"

"She's in the next room, where the main dance floor resides…!"Twilight pointed to a very open room to the far left of the massive room.

"Well, lets put that pony in charge and enforce a much more festive party that every pony can enjoy!"Orion insisted as he marched pass the mares on his way to Pinkie Pie.

Only to suddenly knock into a white stallion sporting a white suit. His food went to the floor, and even that made the stallion shield his blond mane from the food. Orion looked to the stallion that scoffed with over exaggerated stress before looking up to the prince himself. Only to cringe and crinkle his muzzle in disgust for the brand new creature that stood before him. Orion crossed his arms, and read the unicorn's body language, knowing that there was trouble to be had.

"Excuse me! Who let such a deformed riff raff into the castle of Canterlot?!"The stallion ranted and insulted the prince, forcing Orion to narrow his look.

"Excuse me…? And…who are you to judge some pony on what they are?"Orion decided to fire back with a question on the stallion's role at the castle.

"I hardly feel you deserve to be in my presence. But if you are so ill advise, I am prince Blue Blood,"The stallion introduced himself with such an illustrious and self righteous attitude,"I am the esteem prince of Equestria, and the nephew of princess Celestia herself!"

"Really?! You are a member of the royal family…! Who were you born to?"Orion smirked and was ready to start chuckling while Celestia saw the conflict and rushed to prevent a serious issue between her nephew, and her brother.

"I was born with the blood of the royal family itself! What do YOU know of my royal family?"Blue Blood questioned before Orion uncrossed his arms while his hands went to fists.

"Blue Blood! Show some respect for Equestria's sake! That is your uncle you are disrespecting!"Celestia was quick to get between them and chew her nephew's ear off.

"What?! This is the great crystal warrior you've told me stories about,"Blue Blood exclaimed and was struggling to actually believe that the human pony was his uncle,"This can't be him…! He's a hairless creature that walks on two legs and smells like a sweaty-"

Orion was done allowing the apparent nephew of his insult what he was in his eyes. He formed his infamous punch of punishment in his left fist, and drilled it right into Blue Blood's head. The blow froze the stallion for a moment before the sharp sting made it's mark and forced a girly scream from the stallion.

"You're aunt just got done telling you to show some respect you little dung pile,"Orion yelled down to the stallion that gripped and rubbed at his head in pain,"If you won't listen to her, you will listen to me then! As long as I'm around. I will be teaching you some respect, as is accustom in our family, BLUE Blood!"

"I'm sorry that it had to come to this Blue Blood, but your uncle's authority is to be respected. He has fought and nearly died for our family through the ages,"Celestia explained and surprisingly took his side in the issue,"For that his word is law, and if he says anything, you best be ready to listen. And you will show him the proper respect…!"

"But aunty…!"Blue Blood begged in a child like tone, only for it to be crushed by Orion.

"Don't, but aunty us! You will listen to us, and you are going to start showing respect to ponies both big and small,"Orion made himself perfectly clear with his embarrassed nephew,"If not, I will gladly teach respect to you. By the time I'm done with you, there will be respect and compassion shown by you at all times! Are we clear…?!"

"Y…yes… Yes…uncle…"Blue Blood complied with a nod after his uncle showed him another fist full of punishment.

"There you are…! Apologies for prying, but a lady is not meant to be left on her own,"Rarity suddenly rushed in to get between them and hold Blue Blood's arm,"Sorry for any intrusion your majesties…! I do hope we haven't caused you any sort of trouble."

"Not at all…! I was just meeting my nephew for the first time, and share some choice words with him,"Orion simply replied and patted Blue Blood's shoulder to show a harmless situation,"Now remember about our little talk, nephew. Remember to show some respect for others. Especially this young lady here…!"

"Of…of course uncle…! Dear Rarity, would you like to dance for a bit?"Blue Blood was quick to start showing respect and offer a round of dancing with Rarity.

"Why, I would just love to dance, prince Blue Blood…!"Rarity agreed and offered her hoof to Blue Blood before he was taking her to the dance floor.

"And don't either of you forget that…! Age don't put one bit of damper on my means of discipline,"Orion wanted to quickly make his disciplining point down with the rest of the mares,"Now lets do something about that irritating and depressing music for elements sake…!"

"Of course…Orion…!"Celestia agreed while her brother walked on while they hung back a bit.

"My…goodness…! This is starting to feel like old times now!"Luna admitted with a bit of amusement for the stern spirit her brother still had.

"You don't say…!"Twilight replied before they went to catch up with Orion.

---

Just outside, in a lovely royal garden near the east side gardens of the castle. Fluttershy found herself enthralled by the majestic creatures she found frolicking in the garden. So many rare and lovely creatures stood tall and majestic, so full of pride. Though this powerful pride they showed off appeared to also be causing a situation for Fluttershy, more like a challenge perhaps. They were cautious around her, and they even tried to avoid her like she was common scum.

It was completely strenuous, she felt like she did not have her nature loving touch on these creatures. She even felt a bit hurt to see animals running from her like she was the kindred spirit she felt that she had become. She tried again and again, and they continued to ignore her and avoid her. Finally, she appeared to be throwing in the towel and leaving the animals be. It was then that she got some help in the form of Typhoon, as he slowly approached from behind and looked to the animals.

"A Toco Toucan? Meadowlark, a Wallaroo? You found the mother load of rare creatures,"Typhoon pointed out while Fluttershy just sighed and looked down,"Did I forget to mention very full of pride and and easily turned spoiled?"

"They don't like me…"Fluttershy moaned and slowly turned to her pappy with a sad look.

"They just don't understand an actual care taker. They see the spoiled nobles as their care givers,"Typhoon slowly walked to her and made sure that Fluttershy would stay standing for him,"They're like children that were not raised properly… An easy fix, and a real way to bond with animals…"

Typhoon slowly walked forward and suddenly flapped his wings. He created a tiny vortex from his back to pull in a bundle of grapes into his left hoof. He cleared his hoof and stood on his back hooves before presenting berries to a Meadowlark. It hopped to a branch and went to start eating it, only for Typhoon to yank the berries away and put a hoof to the creatures beak. He then gave the Meadowlark a stern and narrow look, fixating the bird to listen to him

"Do you think everything can just be given to you like you're entitled to it,"Typhoon question and tilted his head a bit before the bird shook it's head,"Really? You would recognize a noble or high class pony that just gives you everything, but you'll avoid a pony who knows what's truly best for you. Things that could make your feathers shine and your race flourish…!"

"Pappy…! That's a little harsh to say to such majestic anim-"Fluttershy was quick to be cut off.

"Watch…and learn…! You see yourself as this creature above many others, but such a mind set will only get you nowhere,"Typhoon explained it nice and clear to the bird and kept the berries away the moment he saw it reach for them,"Now you can continue to behave like a brat, and get pampered and fatten by those nobles. Or you can actually become something respectable and glorious, by showing respect to others that truly do care for you, and want what's best for you…!"

The bird fluttered back, and was ready to leave and simply find another pony that could spoil him. Only for remorse to suddenly kick in, and stop the bird in it's tracks. He looked down to see the how fat it had gotten from all the treats it was given by so many ponies before. It's feathers didn't shine because it was fed all the wrong things, and it didn't even have real friends. He thought for a moment, looking to all the other animals through out the garden that were in the same boat as him.

Suddenly, it did the unheard of in the eyes of all it's animal compatriots. He spun around, and darted back to Typhoon and Fluttershy, he then began to encircle the two nature ponies. Typhoon sighed with relief as it then perched on Fluttershy's shoulder and began to chirp.

"Awe… I know you probably didn't mean what you did before… You just need to learn the values of love and tolerance for others,"Fluttershy tickled it's belly for the kindness it finally decided to show for a change,"Also… I can teach you how to preen your feathers and find the right food to make you shine, both inside and out…!"

"That's my filly… Would the rest of you majestic creatures like to shine, and become good on the inside and the outside?"Typhoon offered the same assistance to the rest of the animals that looked to be in very spoiled and unsavory conditions.

The animals responded by suddenly flocking to Fluttershy and even Typhoon for a change. They offered smooth and mind opening whistle tunes to help loosen the animals up. Allowing Fluttershy to then take them deeper into the garden herself and show them how to get back in tune with their true nature. He sighed as he watched Fluttershy guide all the animals into the garden. With a bit of his guidance, she was finally shining just like the animals she wanted to help.

This gave him the chance he needed for some peace and quiet. As he then went towards the edge of the garden where a steep cliff, and sectioned off by a stone railing perched. He looked over the railing and looked to the grassy plains below that glowed from the moon's silver light. The bats and owls flocked through the sky to the forest in the distance, even the tiny bugs joined in the journey. Typhoon's ears flickered as he felt himself embraced in the beauty of mother nature.

"Such a peaceful world this has become… And it all began to shine the moment my own granddaughter became an element of harmony,"Typhoon sighed with a smile and placed a hoof to his chest to feel the warm beats of his experienced heart,"She's come so far… That little filly I took in grew into the element of kindness…! Her parents should be proud… I certainly am…"

"Pappy!"Suddenly a scream shocked him out of his moment before he turned around to meet danger face to face.

He could barely react before a unicorn cinder pony was in his face and thrusting a hot iron dagger forward. Typhoon moved his arm just enough to knock the dagger lower before he went into the side of his body. He growled loudly, before he then reared his head back and headbutt the cinder. The wind current he built up was strong enough to blast the head clean off his would be assassin. The headless cinder was forced back and away from his weapon before the wind master yanked out the weapon.

He winced at the sight of his own blood before grasping the wound the dagger inflicted. He groaned and charged right as the cinder managed to regrow his whole head. It's vision came back a moment later, just in time to see it's own weapon get rammed clean through his chest. Typhoon viciously yanked the dagger out before kicking the cinder pony through the garden gates. Where he fell to his back and burst with flames before he crumbled away to ash.

"They're…here…! Fluttershy!"Typhoon called to his granddaughter before she came running out of the woods.

Her new animal friends rushed out with her before two earth pony cinder ponies followed. Typhoon snorted and ran towards the attacking ponies of ash. He jumped and spun like a drill, going right over Fluttershy's head before split kicking both cinders through the chest. Both back hooves made their and balanced Typhoon in a split before the cinders were twitching. Right before they too burst with embers and fire, then reducing to ash piles, letting Typhoon fall to his flank.

"Thank you…! I was just teaching our new friends how to clean themselves and,"Fluttershy wanted to cry about the ambush she was almost caught in before seeing Typhoon wounded,"Pappy! You're hurt…! We need to get you to a doctor!"

"No…! It's just a flesh wound… Would be assassin missed my liver by half an inch,"Typhoon slowly got up and pressed his hoof to the wound a bit more to stop the bleeding,"I'm just glad you're safe…! The Cinders appeared to have gone through with their warning…!"

"We can go warn the others, but first we need to do something about that wound!"Fluttershy insisted and rushed to help Typhoon stand before a spider monkey dropped in.

He hung by his tail and offered to little handfuls of grounded up green leaves. Fluttershy recognized the plants he held and was quick to accept them from the monkey. She was quick to then apply the grounded up leaves to his wound by pushing them into the wound. Typhoon looked to the stab wound that was filled with the green grounded leaves, knowing they would dull the pain and prevent infection. Leaving Fluttershy to then use a large leaf as a make shift bandage to cover up the injury.

"Thank you… All of you… Your new found kindness will never be forgotten little friends,"Typhoon sighed before he tapped his right front hoof twice to call in his staff,"Please, remain here in the garden…! You will all be safe until we have dealt with this approaching danger…!"

"We have to at least tell every pony inside what's happening Pappy!"Fluttershy fearfully suggested before Typhoon's staff appeared in a sudden blast of wind and fitted itself into his hoof to be used as a walking stick.

"We will…! We alarm the guards, what warriors we can find and the princesses,"Typhoon agreed while watching their new furry friends retreat deep into the garden,"Lets make haste Fluttershy! Before we are too late…!"

Fluttershy nodded and made sure Typhoon was able to walk by himself. They then took off back through the garden gate to enter the castle and raise the alarm for intruders. Little did they know that the alarm was already triggered by the simple struggles from their own shadows.

---

Back inside, Pinkie Pie was facing a slight struggle of her own. It was in the form of so much cold shoulders and scowls when she would try to start a real party on the dance floor. They actually acted as if the depressing and unspirited music was actually enjoyable for these ponies. She lowered her head and let her ears droop with defeat in trying to start a real party. At least until she felt the familiar hand of Orion touch her shoulder and perk the earth pony up a bit.

"So I take it that you also noticed how depressing and dull this party is?"Orion asked as Pinkie stood up tall and sighed before admitting her experience.

"It's like… They don't care about spirit… They don't want to celebrate, they don't want to get excited and happy,"Pinkie explained the problem with how the crowd of ponies appeared to act,"Any sort of partying seems to just turn them mopey dopey and sour!"

"They think there's no need for such form of celebrating or letting their spirits rage high,"Orion studied the way the high class and high standard ponies appeared to behave,"They need a reason to surrender their standard walls and come together instead of dividing others, and themselves."

"What reason could they have for actually accepting a real party?"Pinkie wondered before Orion pointed to the DJ booth that was unoccupied.

"Get on that booth and get ready to put on some real music for these uptight ponies,"Orion instructed the party pony to prepare to use some of her party magic,"I'll chat these ponies up and get them ready to really party…! Trust me."

"If you say so…!"Pinkie smiled and felt her excitement returning as she ran at full speed to the DJ booth.

Giving Orion the chance he needed to walk through the crowds to the center window. He looked out the window for a second to enjoy the view and peace the night brought. He then turned around to face all the slow dancing ponies that kept their eyes closed through the music. He huffed, and lifted his left foot up before stomping three times to make a sharp thud echo. Slowly it shook the ponies from their dancing before they all looked to the prince with confusion.

"Glad that I got all of you, the esteem guests of the Gala's attention,"Orion announced while the princesses and Twilight quietly stood behind the crowds to listen in,"You're probably huffing and puffing about why I suddenly disrupted the music and dancing for all of you!"

Their silence said just that, but they were fearful to speak up against the prince. They could only speak among themselves with whispers and rumors freshly created. Pinkie and the others were worried about what the crowd was capable of doing, but Orion remained firm.

"I look around this dance floor, and see the precious ponies myself, and my fellow warriors protected for almost two thousand years,"Orion was loud and clear while their attention became more direct and curious,"The only difference? So far I've only seen you all slow dancing to the music that mimics a funeral! And any pony who tried to liven it up is met with scowls and disapproval!"

"Oh no… They're going to eat him alive…!"Celestia worried while Luna touched her shoulder to keep faith with her while the ponies scoffed with outrage.

"Back then wealth was almost an impossible thing! Even them, all ponies were welcome and we all came together in celebration,"Orion explained to a mused crowd of wealthy ponies that were ready to leave,"We danced, sang, and howled with cheer for Equestria and the victories achieved through the ages. No pony was above or below one another! We were all as one, united by the need to show courage against Equestria's enemies! So I'm gong to tell you this right now!"

"Is he really going to just tell them off…?"Twilight worried while Luna had the gut feeling that he was about to say something far more real.

"Currently, there is a threat rising for Equestria in the future! It comes in the shape of a a new breed of ponies,"Orion suddenly began to reveal the new enemy that loomed in Equestria,"They are called the Cinder Ponies! Inflamed ponies made of ash that has an unquenchable thirst for destruction and death to all they consider weak!"

Confusion struck the princesses as well as shock for the revelation he decided to reveal. It hit the ponies oh so suddenly, their hearts suddenly kicked up a notch and fear grew in them. They hardly understood why Orion would reveal this new enemy that was rising in Equestria. Though it did become apparent that ponies were huddling closer and look to each other with concern. Now that their walls have been cracked open with fear, he could speak to their very hearts and souls.

"You may not like to know it, but there is a rough time coming for us all in the future,"Orion was honest about what may come to pass with the rise of the Cinders,"To be ready for such times, we must first come together and lower our walls of differences, told by your wealth or lack of wealth! There can't be such standards and pitiful differences forcing us apart in such times! Pinkie?"

"I'm on it!"Pinkie started up the DJ booth that played some harder beating music party music.

"There are ponies here from the high class, to middle class, and even low class! But that mustn't matter right now,"Orion continued to make the idea of classes detrimental to harmony and balance,"Take it from me…! An old prince that's been protecting this world for ages! And like those old days I remember so easily, we must all unify for the sake of Equestria's future! So we can shake away that fear you're feeling right now for this new enemy!"

The crowd slowly appeared to be following Orion's speech before taking in Pinkie's taste of music. As much as it appeared to soil their standards they had grown to have. It was more like feeding a picky child what they needed to grow big and strong, eventually they gave in. They slowly relaxed and walked closer to the prince and Pinkie Pie. Finally the first couple of fancy looking ponies began to dance more freely, they were nervous to let loose against their principles.

Orion saw the dancing start to grow through the nervous crowd of ponies, at least the high class ponies were struggling to adjust. The middle class and even the low class ponies appeared much more compliant and even relieved to be cutting loose. Pinkie raised the musics level before they could see. The spirits of the ponies began to suddenly twinkle and burn like a furnace. They all then appeared to be loosening their standards and starting to see one another in a whole new way.

No matter their differences, or how they were all born into wealth or poverty. They were all the same people that could finally enjoy fun music, and dancing with their hearts. Celestia and Luna smiled, watching their brother's influence fill the ponies with harmony. It was then that they were all dancing freely to the music, talking and cheering to one another to shed the fear. The harmony that grew from the guests filled the family's hearts, and even triggering a spark Orion could see in Twilight's eyes.

"Yes, now let your spirits go free! Lower your walls and dance with passion and freedom,"Orion announced as ponies even stomped and cheered and laughed,"Now we can shed our fear and spread harmony through out the world, and show the Cinders that we will not be forced into submission! Enjoy the party!"

The crowd cheered, all the mares danced in their own little way even if it had no elegance. Their fancy dresses meant much less to them aside from simply looking nice for others. While the stallions were able to loosen up and even enjoy the beverages and food with a lower level of retrain. Now it appeared that every pony was having fun, and the cold shoulders were gone. Pinkie was free to let the music play as she jumped into the crowd and began to dance without a care.

This left Orion to casually walk right back to the princesses and the unicorn. Just in time to see Twilight's friends return, except for Fluttershy strangely enough. Even Blue Blood was still hanging around, even when he was sweating like a pony bundled up in the middle of July. Rarity seemed happy as she still held onto his arm for comfort, while Applejack slowly came in with a sack full of bits. Leaving Rainbow Dash to finally want to take a break from the Wonderbolts and be the last pony to rejoin the group.

"That was incredible what you did there for Pinkie and the ponies here!"Twilight admitted as they looked to the happy and free thinking ponies that danced with freedom.

"The old spirit in the face of danger has been missing for a long time, Twilight,"Orion explained his means of giving such a speech to the ponies of this present,"There are going to be rough times, but together we can make it through any obstacle, no matter the danger that approaches."

"I can agree to that…! I must say, this has been one of the greatest nights ever!"Rarity admitted while her friends shared a laugh with one another.

"I'll say. Thanks to your friend, Shadow Swirl, I got money enough to really upgrade the farm!"Applejack slammed her sack down full of bits to take a break.

"I got to not only spend time with princess Celestia… But I was able to actually talk and get to know the whole royal family!"Twilight also admitted her enjoyment with spending time with the three siblings.

"And we got to finally reunite with our brother after so long. Our family has been broken for the longest time."Celestia admitted her own happiness for how this night turned out to be.

"Even if it's for the night. It's wonderful that our family can heal from a broken past,"Luna added to that statement before sharing a hug with her brother,"As you said, together we can make it through any obstacle, no matter the danger that approaches…"

"Yeah… This was… A fun night…"Rainbow Dash was hesitate to agree to the good night after looking to the necklace she was given by Thunder.

"Hey… That's Cloudlia's necklace…! How to did you get that little trinket?"Orion took notice of the cloud necklace while Rainbow Dash lit up from the reveal that Orion also knew of the story Thunder told.

"Wait… You know that story too? Does that mean… Thunder was telling the truth?"Rainbow Dash asked out of shock to learn the truth behind Thunder's rant to the Wonderbolts.

"Yeah… She was a cloud pony. Very gentle spirits, those ponies were. Until the Bolt academy was established,"Orion backed up Thunder's story with some insight about the Wonderbolts and the alleged cloud ponies,"General Swift Wind, cold hearted sociopath that one. He had us fooled for years till we discovered the illegal genocide he performed on peace loving ponies made of clouds."

"Wow… I had no clue…"Rainbow admitted before holding the necklace in both her hooves in respect.

"The Wonderbolts were simply an inspiration to their Bolt predecessors. They probably don't even know about that piece of history,"Orion explained to try and bring some sort of closure to Rainbow's doubts about her heroes,"Either that, or their current general is hiding it from them... No Pegasus would dare join a Bolt inspired group if they knew…that…?"

He was just barely able to see them off the corner of his eyes, they quickly approached. Cloaked in fake religious robes that masked their approach as three of them took out daggers. The ponies took notice of his sudden pause as his eyes looked to the skies where others were dropping in. Twilight gasped the moment she herself saw his fists tighten, and a group of four more coming to his right. She was quick to turn to the main doors swinging open with a slam, allowing Typhoon and Fluttershy to rush in.

"THE CINDERS ARE HERE!"Typhoon alerted before the first one ran with a dagger aimed at Luna's neck.

Orion was quick to rush forward and grab the ashy hoof of the attacker. The dagger came inches from Luna's neck before Orion slammed his palm against the chest of the enemy. It sent the Cinder flying back while his arm broke off in Orion's hand, and dangled there. He dropped it and watch the enemy slam into a wall before the Cinders decided to shed their disguises. Robes fell from the air to reveal Cinder Pegasus ponies, while unicorns marched in from the left with hot iron horns.

"EVERY PONY DOWN!"Orion roared and made the ponies cease their celebration the moment, shots of fire were shooting at the group of friends.

All of the civilian ponies dropped to the ground the moment the Cinder unicorns started firing fiery magic. Twilight was quick to protect Orion's back with a purple shield, while his sisters bucked three earth pony Cinders back The rest of Twilight's friends were quick to spring to action. While Blue Blood simply screamed like a filly once more and hid under a table. Leaving Rarity to fight for herself, she scoffed and simply tossed a drink into an approaching unicorns face.

Triggering an all out brawl to commence as castle guards mobilized as well. Brawls exploded through the whole room, while Typhoon sent Fluttershy in to evacuate the civilians. Allowing him to focus on the enemies that were suddenly entering in more numbers. He triggered his staff's ability to change, and turned it to the scythe before flying to the Cinder Pegasus. He swung his scythe, and sliced both groups of five in two, and aimed it at them while they recovered.

Rainbow Dash was more than willing to assist Typhoon after seeing that he was wounded. The Wonderbolts even flew in to assist as well, but their inexperience with the Cinders proved a difficult challenge for them. Soarin was instantly tackled and engaged in a hoof fight after crashing into the DJ booth. While Spitfire knocked heads with another one, before sustaining bad burns on her forehead. Allowing her foe to grab her and take her down for a pile driver.

Rainbow worried for Spitfire, but was then occupied as she went full speed to evade the attack of three Cinders. She clashed and spin kicked her pursuers that chased her through the air. She flew high and brought both back hooves down to drive them through their heads. It was a miracle that her hooves went in just enough to smash their hearts as well. This allowed her to watch the flying Cinders to drop and slowly crumble away to ash before getting tackled by another.

They slammed into a wall, the Cinder then began throwing punches to her gut. She tried punching him in the head to force him off, but it did very little to him and left her with burnt hooves. Thankfully the spear tip of Typhoon's scythe met her face to face by an inch. While the Cinder released her the moment he felt the weapon through his chest, destroying his heart. He slowly fell back and towards the ground before he too burst into ashes.

"Thanks… I forgot how tough those guys could be…"Rainbow groaned and rubbed at her belly to recover from her injury.

"Just be more defensive, and keep going for their hearts…!"Typhoon informed before he aimed his scythe and wide black eyes at another group of Cinders.

He then flew towards them, spinning and twirling his scythe to slice and dice. The Cinders burst to ash behind them while Rainbow tackled a straggler right into a table down below. Typhoon sighed a bit to relax himself for a moment before he saw Fluttershy holding the doors open for the other ponies. He gasped after seeing an earth pony Cinder approaching her with a dagger in hoof. He glared and swooped down like a vicious hawk with his weapon at the ready to skewer.

"Go…! Go home or go hide…! We promise that the danger will pass…!"Fluttershy called to the ponies before seeing the approaching Cinder pony that prepared to stab her.

She screamed as the ashen pony ran to her for the perfect jab through the heart. Only to be crushed by the body and stabbing power of his scythes bottom end piece. It went deep into the floor, going clean through the Cinder's heart, forcing him to fall to ashes. Typhoon sighed and slowly stood up before gripping his sore gut that still carried the wound from before. Fluttershy rushed to him to keep her Pappy standing before she chose to do something she never thought she would do.

"Pappy… Wait outside… I'll help fight them off… You don't need to hurt yourself any more."Fluttershy insisted before she was suddenly pulling her Pappy through the door against his wishes.

"No…! I need to fight…! I need to protect my people, and my family…!"Typhoon demanded before he was sat down outside the room in a corner.

"You need to rest…! You're hurt, and you're going to open your wound and make it worse if you keep going,"Fluttershy insisted as she grabbed both of his hooves to try and calm him down,"Let me protect you this time… I don't want to lose my Pappy because I was too scared to fight for him and my friends…!"

"Fluttershy…! You don't need to protect me… I've been doing this for thousands of years,"Typhoon insisted, only for Fluttershy to run back in and shut the door on him,"Fluttershy! No!"

She sighed, feeling a bit heavy in the heart to shut her pappy out of the fight. She swallowed her heart ache, and turned to see a unicorn Cinder in her face with a glowing horn. She screamed, and flew to the left, while her attacker pursued her relentlessly. At least until she grabbed the first thing she could find, which was the big bowl of strong fruit punch. She sent it soaring before he shattered and splashed all over the Cinder before steam blasted off his body and sent him spiriling into a great torment.

His eyes felt like they had just gotten maced, while acid was poured over his body. He yelled and shook wildly, trying to rid the ice cold beverage that soaked his ashen body. This allowed him to take a perfect shot clean through the chest by Rarity's magic. Before he was reduced to a pile of ash right before Fluttershy's hooves. Rarity was quick to rush to her to make sure she was safe, and assess the importance of their discovery.

"Genius Fluttershy! It's just like the one I threw my drink at! Cold liquid hurts them,"Rarity exclaimed and patted her friends back while pointing to the smoldering Cinder pony that still suffered from the drink that splashed in his eyes,"We can cripple them, and make these ash made beasts a piece of cake!"

"That's a wonderful idea Rarity…! I think there are barrels in the next room…!"Fluttershy informed before Orion came in slashing and dicing two Cinders right pass them.

"Then there is not a moment to lose then!"Rarity took Fluttershy's hoof and ran with her to the next room to their right to get more ammunition.

Orion watched the two ponies suddenly run to the supply room before turning back to his diced foes. Just for them to reform before he slowly walked to them with his sword drawn. They attacked, and he rushed them, taking a swing that carved their limbs clean off. He passed through them, and turned before drawing a second sword out to raise it to the fallen Cinders. He then brought them down and through their chests to the point that his hands touched their backs.

He waited till they fell apart to nothing before yanking his blades out. Only to throw one at the chest piece of another Cinder that tried to jump onto Celestia's back. She looked to the Cinder that crumbled away before smiling to her brother, only for Twilight to be the next one to save her. She charged an Earth pony Cinder, ramming her horn through his chest in kind. She then blasted him away with a shot of magic that sent him smashing to pieces against a wall.

"Thank you… Twilight… You really have come a long way,"Celestia complimented her student before more Cinder Pegasus ponies dropped in right before them,"Come my student…! Let us rid these abominations from our home…!"

"Gladly…!"Twilight agreed and charged into the group of Pegasus Cinders, sending some of them flying like bowling pins.

The others grabbed and tried to yank the princess to the ground to get knife happy. Only for Twilight to shoot them off her mentor, just in time to be rescued herself. Her rescue came in the form of Applejack swinging her giant money bag like a chained mace. It was a guaranteed one shot weapon that crushed Cinder's to ash splatters drenched in old blood. She swung it through the air, swatting back the Cinder Pegasus ponies like flies before it came down on the ground troops.

"Y'all turned one of the best nights we ever had into a nightmare! I won't let that go lightly you varmints,"Applejack promised the attackers before ducking under two red blasts of magic,"You little ash heads got easy to fight the minute we found out how to stop ya!"

She ate those words the moment that a Pegasus swooped down and crashed on her back. A unicorn was then able to jump on her next before they were giving her a pounding. Punches nailed Applejack in the back, face and legs for her cockiness in the fight. Thankfully the beating didn't last long before Pinkie bounced in and came to Applejack's rescue. She bucked them off her friend, and sent them into her party cannon she pulled out of nowhere.

"Stay off my friends you flaming meanies!"Pinkie demanded before bouncing over and firing the Cinders out of her cannon and a flash of streamers and confetti.

She watched them fly through the air, and crash clean through the massive window. She cheered, only to get pounced on by a unicorn and picked up by her neck. The unicorn shot her into the air before she came to a crash landing right on top of Rainbow, forcing them both to crash to the ground. Luna was kind enough to help the two ponies back up before shooting back five Earth ponies. She then bucked three Pegasus ponies that tried to swoop onto her back.

Slowly it began to become more apparent that they were getting out numbered and out skilled. The Cinders were falling, but there was way more than they had thought there would be. Now they were backing the mares up into a corner, but Orion was not surrendering to them. He jumped in front of the group and slashed five of them with a spin slash. Five of them turned to ash from the perfect chest shots before he punched the ground, forcing red crystal clusters to burst from below.

Several Cinder ponies were skewered and torn apart by the crystals that sprouted. While the others backed away, as a wall of crystals rose through the floor, cutting them off from his friends and family. This gave Orion the chance they all needed to assess the situation they were in after sheathing his swords.

"There's so many of them…! There were only a few at most when they were first encountered wasn't there?"Luna asked while trying her best to heal a bruise that formed on Rainbow's stomach.

"That's what I thought when I saw them in the trees before, however it has been a couple months,"Orion responded as the Cinders spread out over the barrier to scale it,"This means that these guys can really flourish like parasites…!"

"How is that possible?"Celestia wondered while she was kind enough to help Pinkie and Rainbow Dash with their injuries.

"Because WE…! Are the future of this world!"Came a slightly young but strong voice that echoed through the whole throne room.

Suddenly the Cinders ceased their advance on the group of friends and backed away. Just in time for another Cinder to appear from a vortex of fire, Embers filled the room. The stallion sighed as he slowly walked out of the fire in a cloak that his his body and face from every pony.

"Well… I suppose you're the leader from the looks of it…!"Orion pointed at him and put on a solid look of cockiness to trigger the Cinder.

"Heh… What gave me away…? Prince Orion,"The Cinder simply chuckled as he saw the look lighten up the moment the Cinder showed that he knew the prince,"Yes… I know who you are, Orion…! The esteemed prince and warrior of Equestria! The red crystal barer!"

"Oh yeah? Mind giving me your name, or can I just go out on a limb and make my guess on who you are,"Orion questioned before making a fake stance of deep thinking while the Cinder simply opened his arms to welcome Orion's guessing game,"From what a really foolish Pegasus Cinder pony spoke of before he turned to another pile of ash… You must be… Moltorious!"

"Gold star for the old prince, I suppose… Though normally a name means nothing to our people,"The named Cinder pony chuckled before he began to undo his cloak to remove it,"But yes… My name… Is Moltorious…! And I guide my people through this accursed age!"

The minute his robe was thrown down, his wings were able to sprout wide and free. Though that was not his only surprise to show, for he also revealed a long and sharp horn on his head. This was not a Cinder pony of Pegasus or unicorn creation, this was a Cinder Alicorn.

"An Alicorn Cinder pony… What a fresh new surprise…! If you only knew how many ponies pursued the power of an Alicorn,"Orion mused while Moltorious chuckled at the prince's displeasure,"So is there at least a good reason that you ponies just up and decided to try and slay every pony here?"

"I would have thought you would have figured it out by now. This accursed age is the problem,"Moltorious shook his head after realizing the prince was lost to their motive,"Look around you…! Look at the weak and pathetic state your sisters and your new elements of harmony have turned this world into!"

"I don't see any problem with them. For once, harmony has flourished for this land,"Orion decided to argue this rant from the lead Cinder pony,"Peace, friendship, actual compassion is in the world today. Something our world needed!"

"The world lived on the combat and glory of the old world you yourself was born into,"Moltorious tried to correct him as his Cinder pony followers powered up with fire,"The old blood that coursed through our veins showed us what the true world was like. Blood and violence was it's essence of life! All that encountered it and died left their blood behind to show us this ultimate truth of the world!"

"That world was garbage and you know it…! So let me ask this,"Orion stepped forward and through his crystals to approach,"Who's actually selling you this false truth just for your undying servitude? Necrid Ghoul?"

"Hehehe…! Now why would I feel the need to tell you anything? That would just ruin the surprise for you in the future,"Moltorious chuckled before stomping his hoof and preparing his Cinders to mobilize,"That is… If you're still alive to see the future your majesty…!"

"Oh yeah…! We'll see about that you monster!"Rainbow felt a bit triggered by the confident and arrogant nature of the Cinder leader.

She swooped in at full speed to give him a solid hoof right through his chest. He simply closed his eyes and lifted his hoof in an uppercut, and punched her sharply in the jaw. Sending Rainbow smashing into the ceiling before she slowly began to spiral unconsciously towards the ground. Thankfully, Twilight was there to catch Rainbow Dash and levitate the injured friend into her arms. Orion huffed a bit, now that he saw that Moltorious was clearly a much stronger foe than the other Cinders.

"Now that the pesky little rainbow Pegasus is dealt with, lets see how much heat you can take before you're all going up in flames…!"Moltorious prepared to send his Cinders in for another full on assault.

"You can go ahead and try, but I already have what we need to put those flames out!"Came the calls of a very familiar voice that grabbed every pony's attention.

They all looked behind the group of enemies to see Shadow Swirl standing on her back hooves. With Fluttershy and Rarity at her side, they all held barrels full of fruit punch. She glared at all the flaming ponies as her grip on the barrel tightened for the intensity she felt. Rarity was quick to be the one that reignite the fight after tossing a barrel into the air. The barrel exploded with punch that went in every direction, dousing almost a dozen of Cinders in the juice.

The minute the Cinders were steaming and falling under crippling torment. Rarity rushed in with Shadow Swirl right behind her, while Fluttershy went to the air to keep sprinkling punch out of her barrel. Orion smiled as he lowered his hand, and lowered the red crystal barrier. Allowing his friends and family to engage the enemy once more on a more leveled playing field. They rushed in and tackled the Cinders that were suffering from the punch too much to defend themselves.

Going for their chests was much easier, and every pony was able to do it. Pinkie and Applejack were stomping in their chests to crush their hearts like christening bottles. While the princesses and Twilight protected the downed Rainbow Dash by using their horns like spears. When they weren't shooting magic through their chests, they were skewering the Cinders that approached. They fought for their lives, and the sake of the harmony these ponies wanted to destroy.

Fortunately the fight would become easy and clear the moment Shadow Swirl stepped forward. She was approached by three Cinder pony unicorns, ready to light her up with fire. She tilted her head and snickered, cracking her neck before looking to Applejack with a smirk. Applejack had finally manage to push through her injuries before she saw Shadow Swirl carrying a punch barrel. She read the queen of shadow's mind and got ready to go through with her little trick.

"Hope you have much more to show us than just a barrel, whorse of darkness…!"The middle unicorn challenged Shadow Swirl's ability to fight while she held a barrel.

"Don't worry… I think my own hooves will be more than enough for you, ash holes…!"She snickered before tossing the barrel into the air towards Applejack.

Applejack waited to catch it, while the Cinders made the mistake of looking to the barrel. Shadow Swirl took full advantage of the distracted enemies and round housed the middle one. Before she then lurched forward and punched off the left unicorn's head like a base ball. She was then able to walk to the right one and stomp her left back hoof down on the downed Cinder's chest. While the remaining Cinder tried to throw a swing, and got his arm gripped and pulled clean off.

They tried to back up, but she simply threw a three sixty round house kick to catch them. Her kick went clean through their bodies before she let her hoof grind back down across the floor. Just in time to see the Cinders burst into flames, and fall to ash piles before her. This left her to advance and get a good running kick to a Cinder pony's back while he was busy fighting Luna. Her kick smashed through the Cinder and nearly touched Luna's nose after coming through his chest.

"Sorry about that…! It's been a while since I got to stretch my legs like this."Shadow apologized before yanking her hoof clean out through the Cinder's torso and shoulder.

"As am I, Shadow Swirl… So perhaps this would be a good time to start brushing up on those skills. There's no harm in that, right?"Luna asked while Shadow lifted her leg high and turned around to bring it down on a Pegasus Cinder's head and chest.

"None what so ever…!"Shadow agreed before running and putting a strong hook clean through another's chest.

She ripped it out of the Cinder's side to let him drop and crumble. Before turning and high kicking a Pegasus away and right into Luna's horn chest first, allowing Luna to shoot him through a window. Shadow charged the ranks, aiding every pony that struggled with the Cinders. She threw swift punches that stunned the Cinders she allowed to surround her. Before she would then leg sweep and smash apart all Cinder pony limbs she could reach with her legs.

This allowed the others to make quick work of the Cinder's while she leaped at more Cinders. She rolled and locked her arms around one's head before yanking him up and flipping him over. Sending him slamming down onto another Cinder, allowing Shadow to lift her hoof up. She brought it down before it turned pitch black, and then went right through both of their chests. At that moment, the ground trembled, and exploded to pieces before black tentacles arose.

They shot up like arrows, piercing clean through every Cinder she could see at the moment. Some went flying, while others crumbled apart to ash from precise chest shots. Orion smirked, and showed a lack of impressed feeling for the Cinders that began to fall like dominoes. Moltorious seemed annoyed, but he was patient and able to keep his cool in the situation. Even when Fluttershy dropped her own barrel of punch upon what remained of the Cinder ponies.

"So was I suppose to be impressed here? So far all you Cinder's have proven is that you're easy once your weakness is exposed,"Orion insulted and snickered the moment he could see the leader's annoyance,"So you ready to start talking about who the real leader is? Or would you rather me ring your neck and force it out?"

"You underestimate my Cinder ponies greatly. Most of these were just newborns really,"Moltorious boldly stated to show his denial of failure,"Now the ones that are training under the one that taught me everything I could ever know… Now those are special ones…!"

"There's more of you? Sorry, let me try to work myself with fear for you,"Orion shrugged with more lack of amusement for the idea of more Cinders being made,"Sorry, can't do it for you…! Do you honestly think you're the first clan of ponies that's over estimated themselves, and chose to try and take Equestria for their own?"

"We're definitely the first to receive professional training so we have the power to take it,"Moltorious corrected Orion before he stood in a solid stance,"But actions DO speak louder than words…! So perhaps a demonstration is in order…!"

Moltorious lowered his head a bit, only for the crags in his body to become inflamed. Fire spiraled and surrounded his ash made body, it became a blaze that raised beyond the average power. His horn glowed red before it too became inflamed, allowing him to stand on his back hooves. Orion could feel this leader charging up his power to show what real fire power looked like. But he stood his ground, and prepared for the Cinder to finish his show of power and make the first move.

"Now then…! Lets see what the prince of Equestria is truly made of!"Moltorious challenged, and took off like a bullet, charging head strong towards Orion.

The prince clutched his hands to fists and allowed a conforming crystal armor to envelop his body. It was then that he braced for when he and Moltorious and him slammed heads together. The force of their heads forced them back a bit, only for Moltorious to fight more aggressive. He then surprised Orion by throwing a shockingly fast flurry of flaming hooves. His crystal eyes went into full focus as he raised his hands to swat and knock away every fast flying hoof he could see.

His blocking and deflecting managed to divert the blows, sending fires flying into walls, tables, and curtains. The fires scorched the area before Moltorious threw a harder punch. Orion jumped back to dodge the attack before he ran to the side to direct his attacker away from the others. The Cinder took the bait and bolted after him, catching up to his side in seconds. Orion jumped, and so did Moltorious, as they engaged in airborne clashes with their punches all through the room.

They jumped to pillars before jumping to each other with strong hooks that connected. The force of their clashes cracked the pillars and shook the ground the others fought on. They ran through the crowd to the next pillars and clashed again, almost knocking every pony to their bellies. This even proved to distract the remaining Cinder ponies as they watched the two coming to blows. Orion managed to finally take his shot and strike Moltorious in the gut, and into another pillar.

They then both jumped to each other, one punch was full of fire while the other was coated in crystals. Orion narrowed his eyes and quickly pulled a dagger of crystal from his hand. Just in time for their fists to clash together, and allow the prince to make the perfect cut. The minute they passed each other, Moltorious felt his arm suddenly burst off from the clean cut. They both landed with their backs facing each other, before Orion slowly turned around to face the Cinder Alicorn.

"Crafty! Sneaking one of your meddlesome crystals in to cripple your foe and hasten your defeat,"Moltorious admitted his fascination with Orion's strategic play before lifting his severed limb up with magic,"But It's a pointless trick on some pony that heals from any sort of wound!"

"Well excuse me for trying to have fun before I kill you…!"Orion mocked as Moltorious reconnected his arm to his body once more.

Before he knew it, Moltorious was on fire and throwing another barrage of hooves. He was barely able to back away before throwing punches right back at him, their attacks continued to clash. Their punches smashed holes in the floor and even other Cinder ponies as they leaped across the room. The other ponies stopped to watch as the two stronger titans squared off. Allowing their power to tear apart the throne room with each powerful collision they met each other in.

Moltorious was like a persistent mosquito that was keeping up with Orion. They smashed heads and fists with each meeting they head through the room. They moved at great speeds, they even met in the center for a slug fest of rapid punches before Moltorious got a lucky shot in. He bucked Orion towards a wall, but the prince manage to slam his feet into the wall to stop himself. Just in time to duck a big hay maker from a fast flying Moltorious that smashed a giant chunk of the wall out of the castle.

Orion then got to throw a big hay maker of his own that connected with Moltorious's chest. It launched the Cinder pony across the room and right through every pillar. He may of somehow avoided being killed by the chest shot, but he was rattled a bit after smashing into a wall. He shook it off and lifted his head just in time to see the pillars suddenly begin to give away. They slowly broke down and started to make the ceiling collapse, tons of debris began to fall.

But Orion was the main concern, and he was already in Moltorious's face. The Cinder was quick to open his mouth up to blast a ball of fire at Orion's head, forcing the prince to jump back into the falling roof debris. He looked back to his friends with a slightly singed nose and forehead. Thankfully, Shadow Swirl saw the ceiling coming down and threw up a pitch black shield around them all. He then looked back before jumping to avoid a cork screw kick, and began to scale the rubble.

He switched to an evasive tactic as Moltorious flew in and swung his punches wildly. Chunks and pieces of castle ceiling were shattered as he tried to strike down the prince. They flew and jumped around the rubble before Moltorious was starting to catch up to the prince. They were then back to smashing fist and hoof together as they hopped from piece to piece of rubble. Orion then cross guarded with both arms to let Moltorious throw more punches that sent them falling back down.

The moment Orion slammed back down on his own two feet, he then swung a hard round house. Cracking Moltorious across the jaw and forcing him back, allowing them to breath. The Cinder pony leader shook his head to get rid of any weariness he felt before, and smirked with confidence.

"You're fast and your reflexes are sharp, as is to be expected from the prince of Equestria…!"Moltorious admitted while his fiery crags glowed like fissures.

"Well if it means anything, you're definitely giving me a work out,"Orion admitted that he too was a bit impressed with this Cinder's power compared to his grunts,"I hope you have more to show me before I pound you to dust…!"

"You know… You REALLY ought to be careful what you ask for,"Moltorious said before a ball of fire suddenly began to grow rapidly on the tip of his horn,"Because you might get more than you can bargain for!"

Moltorious growled before the ball of fire suddenly took on the appearance of the sun. It continued to grow bigger and bigger as it absorbed the rubble and ceiling chunks. It was like a gravitational field that took it all in before the floor threatened to give away. Orion felt the power of the attack and cross guarded again while his red magic enveloped his body. He took a good look at the Cinder, knowing that it was time to end this fight quickly.

Finally, Moltorious lowered his head and blasted the ball of sun like fire at the prince. Orion relied on his armor to protect him while he began to power himself up. He closed his eyes and braced while his friends looked on in fear of the attack that scorched a path in the floor. Orion released a deep breath, and felt himself taking the full force of the attack against his whole body. He grunted and roared before disappearing into the ball of fire, it then went off like a giant bomb.

The walls and ceiling melted and crumbled away to rubble as they all braced for the attack. Shadow Swirl struggled a bit the moment the fire smashed into her shield. But she held her own while Twilight screamed the moment she saw the prince disappear into the fire. Luna and Celestia held her before she could even run to the shield to go after Orion. They then waited until the quaking stopped around the room, slowly they were able to open their eyes the moment all went quiet.

Slowly, Shadow Swirl lowered her shield, only to be hit with a mass of smoke. They all covered their muzzles and struggled to see through the immense cloud of smoke. Shadow Swirl was quick to solve that problem by stomping her hooves and stretching out a blanket of shadows. The smoke was then getting sucked up by the hungry shadows she commanded like a vacuum cleaner. The smoke was then cleared to see quite the destructive sight, Moltorious now stood alone.

His fellow Cinders were caught up in the blast and were vaporized in kind. Leaving him weary, alone, and feeling confident that his target was defeated at last. He chuckled, as he looked to the decimated throne room that only had damaged floor to go with a room that was completely exposed to the night.

"And so… The story of Equestria's prince ends in fire. A glorious death…!"Moltorious bragged of his apparent victory.

"NOOOOO! ORION!"Twilight shouted before she was held back by an oddly calm pair of sisters.

"Don't worry…! You will all join him soon enough…! Harmony must die for our dream to truly begin,"Moltorious turned to them after a long look to the path of destruction he left behind,"That means you royal sisters…! And all you elements...! Must die!"

"You would have to get by me you statue of filthy ash…!"Shadow Swirl called out while the other mares got ready to fight.

"You won't even need to get your own hooves dirty with him Shadow! Now he's mine!"Moltorious shot up with shock as he turned back to the smoldering path to see Orion slowly step out of the smoke.

"Orion…?"Twilight was officially confused while her friends began to cheer for him.

"You truly believe that our brother was that weak? He hasn't even begun to fight!"Luna informed the confused Cinder that looked to his foe with crumbling confidence.

"I can't even go to my full strength, yet! My magic has been rusty with it lately,"Orion added while his skin had turned bright red to go with his crimson red hair,"By I can definitely give you a taste of real power Moltorious!"

""Very well…! Since you refuse to die! I'll have to go ALL OUT!"Moltorious roared and charged at the human that suddenly bulked up his body with muscle.

The Cinder released a war cry and once again threw another swarm of punches. Only to suddenly see his hims smash to pieces and crack away against the princess's muscular body. He stopped to see his hooves slowly regenerate from the damage, only to really feel the power of the prince. Orion unleashed a thunderous punch to the Cinder pony's gut, and launched him right into the main door. The door tumbled over, allowing Typhoon and a returning duplicate of Orion to see the carnage.

"Oh dear…"Typhoon gasped with shock while the duplicate only chuckled.

"So there IS more to you! There's a lot more power than you showed before!"Moltorious growled before he got back up and ran to the prince.

Orion however was already in his face and had his own barrage of punches to give. His one right fist threw faster punches than both of Moltorious's hooves could throw. And they proved greatly effective as it shredded Moltorious and made him burst into a cloud of ashes. The Cinder was quick to move his cloud of ashes away and back towards the other end of the room. He then managed to reform in only a few moments, and he finally showed the rage that was building up since he challenged Orion.

"I will destroy you,"Moltorious growled before he began to form another ball of fire while Orion slowly turned around to face him,"I'LL TURN EVERYTHING YOU SEE INTO SCOLDING ASHES! EVERYTHING YOU LOVE WILL DIE WHERE THEY NOW STAND!"

"Right…"Orion failed to be amused any more as he coated his right hand in crystals and raised it to the sky.

His hand then clutched into a fist and began to alight with red lightning. He reared his hand back and waited for Moltorious to do his worse, knowing that it would be in vain. His eyes narrowed as he prepared to charge at the Cinder to give him a fistful of his unwavering will. The minute Moltorious aimed his ball of fire to shoot, Orion took off with new found speed. Preparing to strike the Cinder with a full powered punch just as the ball of fire was then blasted towards him.

He then threw his punch and felt the force of his own fist go right through the fire ball. The ball exploded into another wave of flames while Orion had a clean shot at Moltorious. The Cinder widened his eyes as Orion crushed his mighty fist into his body, letting red lighting surge into his body. A ball of magic then formed against the Cinder leader's body, forcing him to start crumbling away. They struggled, but Orion's power carried him through his attack.

"Get…out…OF MY…HOME!"Orion roared before he finally sent Moltorious screaming and flying like a comet within the ball of magic.

They all got to watch as the Cinder pony screamed while be carried off into the distance. Disappearing into the sky before a burst of magic went off in the distance like a fire work. Orion panted, feeling the exhaustion as he watched the massive explosion in the distant sky. His body began to slowly cool down while the red colors faded away from his body and hair. His muscles relaxed and shrunk back down to their normal smooth size before Orion fell to one knee.

He was now in a sweat, letting the cool air of the night circulate through him. He looked to his friends and family as they stood there in awe for the longest time. He looked down for a moment as he then smiled through his panting, before he then raised a hand. The smiling warrior then gave them the thumbs up, the instant all clear sign that said that he was ok. This allowed every pony to cheer and run to him while Twilight was a bit slow to follow the others.

"So… Was this night still the best night ever,"Orion asked while he slowly switched to sitting down as the others approached,"Sorry about the throne room… And the party room… And the possibly that cellar room…"

"I can bring in architectures to fix the damages… I knew this kind of damage would happen the moment you warriors started to fight,"Celestia admitted before her and Luna both hugged their brother,"A thousand years… And the warrior within you still burns bright and strong…!"

"And your passion to protect Equestria never wavered or weakened…!"Luna added as they all shared a big group hug.

"I'll never waver when it comes to protecting my friends and family… Don't you forget it…!"Orion made that very clear to them and finally felt himself fully relaxed.

"I was… honestly starting to worry that you wouldn't be able to beat him… I'm sorry doubted you…"Twilight stood before the three siblings before he patted her mane.

"There's a lot you don't know about the royal family… So doubt is to be expected, Twilight,"Orion assured Twilight that it was normal to be scared for him,"But you'll come to learn everything, and then you'll know that there's never a reason to worry."

"Because we warriors never give up, and we never die without a great fight!"Shadow Swirl added as she stood before them all.

"And even on the verge of death…! We will fight till the life flees our bodies!"Typhoon entered in while clutching his wound before he hugged Fluttershy.

"Oh there it is! Oh thank Equestria, it's still in one piece,"Applejack spooked every one before lifting a piece of rubble off her intact money bag before turning to her friends,"Hehe… Sorry about that… Just uh… Got worried that I lost it… I'm really glad every pony is ok. Truly…"

"So… What happens now…? Since we kind of crashed the party here…"Rainbow asked while Orion slowly began to stand back up.

"Well… I could go for a hot shower… And you know what else…? I could go for some fatty, sugary doughnuts right now,"Orion gave a suggestion while his duplicate took interest to to that decision,"After all that, I'm not really bothered about spoiling myself with junk food right now…!"

"Funny you should mention that… Because our baby dragon friend is at a doughnut shop right now…!"The duplicate informed before the ponies gasped with shame about forgetting Spike,

"We forgot to go meet with Spike…! He probably thinks we ditched him!"Pinkie worried with a dramatic voice.

"I suppose while the place is being worked on. We too could go for some sweet right now."Luna admitted while Twilight and Orion smiled at each other from the agreements.

"I agree sister… Right now, a sweet jelly doughnut would be heaven right now…!"Celestia admitted with a relieving sigh.

"Well, I'm gonna shower first, cause I smell like ash and sweat for elements sake…!"Orion slowly began to walk towards the busted down door way to the closest shower.

"Ugh… He really does…"Rarity admitted with a crinkle of her muzzle while she took notice of Blue Blood surfacing from the rubble.

"Oh dear…! The party is ruined…! My suit is ruined…! Everything is ruined!"Blue Blood complained and only got a round of rolling eyes from the group.

"We should just see other ponies…"Rarity said to herself with new found disinterest in the prince.

---

Meanwhile, after a long hour of being on his own, Spike still sat in the doughnut shop. Guzzling down some hot cocoa to tame the cold loneliness he felt after being ditched. He had just finished his cocoa before slamming his cup down and instantly downing his doughnut. However, he did not feel satisfied just yet, he needed more to satiate his hunger, thirst, and loneliness. He slammed his fist down to get the attention of the yellow stallion that owned the doughnut shop.

"Hey, Pony Joe! Another doughnut!"Spike demanded grouchy like with a sour face.

"Don't you think you had enough?"Then stallion asked out of concerned, only to be disregarded.

"Another doughnut! Extra sprinkles!"Spike demanded with another fist slamming down on the table before a door bell rang before opening.

"Twilight Sparkle! Ha, ha, long time no see!"Pony Joe happily greeted the entire mane six and even the warriors that followed from behind.

"Pony Joe! Double whipped caramel latte! I need to unwhine!"Shadow Swirl called out before the Pony Joe saluted and got to work.

"You look like you've seen better days, Spike! Binging on doughnuts?"Orion asked as they all approached the baby dragon.

"Oh… Hey guys… So how was your night? How was your best night ever?"Spike asked with lack of amusement before he was suddenly picked up and put in Shadow Swirl's lap.

"And who might this adorable little fellow be? I heard baby dragons were adorable, but seeing one up close speaks louder than words!"Shadow Swirl suddenly showed a surprising soft side as she hugged the baby dragon.

"That's Spike… Have fun with him you rock full of mush,"Orion introduced while getting looks from all the mares that seemed a bit confused,"What? She loves kids. And it's not just limited to foals…!"

"So uh… Who wants to fill Spike in on what happened?"Typhoon kindly asked while sitting down and ordering a supreme jelly doughnut order.

"Huh…? What were we talking about?"Spike asked after enjoying a strong but gentle hoof brushing the spikes on the back of his head.

And so they were all converged at a table with two dozen doughnuts to share among each other. Twilight decided to be the one to tell Spike what happened at the Gala. From the pleasant start to the chaotic ending with the Cinder ponies, and even their meeting with the leader himself.

"That sounds like the WORST night ever! I'm sorry I wasn't there to help!"Spike exclaimed as they all agreed and shared a laugh together.

"Don't worry about it… We sent those ponies packing in bundles of ash,"Orion decided to jump in and put Spike's worries to rest,"Though half the castle was in less than up to code conditions…"

"Besides… We would never have wanted anything to happen to a baby dragon as cute as you…!"Shadow Swirl cooed while brushing his scales again and making his leg go crazy like a dog.

"Oh… Oh yeah…! This mare knows where the good spots are…"Spike admitted as he enjoyed the spike scratching he got.

"I just hope the princesses aren't upset with us for ruining the Gala…"Twilight admitted her worries before the two sisters themselves entered the shop.

"That was the best Grand Galloping Gala ever!"Celestia suddenly exclaimed and made every pony freeze for a moment, even the warriors appeared confused.

"What sort of herbal stuff are you on, and where can I get some…?"Shadow Swirl asked to herself with confusion.

"Pardon me, princess? But tonight was just awful!"Twilight dared to insist that the Gala turned horrible, thanks to the Cinders.

"Oh Twilight, the Gala has always been awful in it's own way."Celestia informed her student.

"It has…?"Twilight asked out of confusion.

"That is why I was thrilled that you all were attending, including Typhoon, Thunder, Crystar and… Orion,"Celestia smiled to her brother as his duplicate winked at him that she was buying it still,"I knew you would all liven things up a bit…! Even Thunder's fight brought back so many good and funny memories. And while the evening may not have turned out entirely as you all would have hoped. At the very end we all came together and repelled a great enemy back to the pits that spawned them…!"

"Wow… You're right, princess…! Friends have a way of making even the worst of times into something pretty great!"Twilight realized a serious lesson about friendship.

"Yeah! Hanging out with friends!"Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

"Talking…"Fluttershy added.

"Laughing…"Pinkie finished.

"Fighting for the right causes…!"The warriors cheered and raised their lattes to the air.

"You mean doing exactly what I wanted to do the whole time?"Spike questioned before they all realized the merit in his words.

"Yes, Spike…! You were right…!"Twilight admitted their mistake they made to him.

"As horrible as our night was…"Applejack started as she finally put down her money bags to get her drink.

"Being together has made it all better…"Rarity finished as she too raised a cup with her friends.

"In fact, it made it…"Pinkie started before her and every pony else lifted their drink for a round of cheers.

"THE BEST NIGHT EVER!"They cheered and knocked their cups together to give a cheer for the future.

"HAZAAAA!"The warriors cheered with the mares before drinking with no restraint.

"Orion… I want to say thank you… For showing up for this night…"Celestia and Luna sneaked over to chat with their brother.

"Don't mention it… No matter our past sins, I will never stop defending my family,"Orion reminded the princesses as he saw their smiles turn a bit solemn,"After this… I'll have to head out on my own again… But I'll be watching the both of you, very closely from the shadows…"

"But… What if we need you here…? To help us fight the Cinders?"Celestia asked out of worry for losing her brother again.

"Then I'll be there… Till then… Crystar's not doing anything better with his life at the moment, he's opened to any personal meetings,"Orion explained as he sighed and looked to the late night sky that glittered against his crystal eyes,"Don't worry… I won't be too far away this time around…"

"We'll miss you Orion… Please stay safe for us at least…"Luna insisted as her and Celestia shared another hug with their brother.

"Guess that means I'll need a new job if he's gonna be watching more closely…"Shadow Swirl shrugged and continued petting Spike before the shop door swung open hard.

"What day is it?! And what the hay happened to the castle?!"A hung over and confused Thunder Blitz stumbled into the shop to ask some very interesting questions.

Wow… Holy cow, I did not expect this one to be this gigantic…! Hope this won't be too hard to read, and I'm sorry for the giant chapter, but there was a lot to put in it. But here it is, the season finally, and trust me, I'm more than excited for the origin story and season two. I hope you all enjoy, 'm happy to have so much support for this story. Please stay tuned for some more MLP and stay pony every one.