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As Twilight and I stepped into the room through the simple large double doors, we entered a rather modest place. My eyes were quick to begin drifting around, drinking in the details of a place I never expected to be.

The floor was a plush carpet with swirling designs of Equestrian gold and blue in equal measure. The walls were simple unadorned dark wooden paneling from floor to ceiling with one large bay window without a bench, made of a single large piece of curving glass, taking up most of the far wall. High-backed chairs that looked plush but lacked any adornments to the dark stained wood and black cushions.

The table that was the centerpiece of the room was a broad expanse of oak, a slab sliced from the middle of a huge tree trunk with the rings of wood that flowed with the large oval shape that pinched somewhat at the end furthest from the window and the other almost flat at the two large chairs sitting there. On the table itself were pitchers of water and glasses. Every seat but those for Twilight and I, or the rest of our little group, was filled, a folder set before each pony in their chair.

After a moment of confusion at seeing no torch or lamp crystals, I realized the light in the room seemed to radiate down and I looked up.

The high, domed ceiling was the most decorative part of the room, displaying an delicately detailed mural. The whole of Equestria and a portion of the surrounding lands were depicted. Equestria itself was detailed so finely I almost mistook it for a photograph taken at altitude from the south, not really a side angle but far from being top down. Aside from the most major points, such as Canterlot being marked with a stylized representation of the royal palace that seemed curiously similar to the show, it was a vast expanse of forests and grasslands and mountains that seemed to have been painted with such sharpness that I couldn't see a limit of the detail from the floor. The not-map appeared to be radiating a gentle light that I somehow knew filled the room comfortably.

I was further surprised as I focused on the spot where Ponyville was supposed to be. As if in response to looking for it, there was a localized shimmer and the image seemed to distort and bulge as it appeared to zoom in. A moment of this and familiar sights were easily seen, as if flying among the clouds a mile away and looking down upon the town. I could clearly see both the town hall and the library tree, among other notable buildings. For a moment, I pondered if it was a way to grant an immediate reminder to those in the room of their homes and what they're fighting for.

It was so surprising and distractingly beautiful that I didn't realize I'd frozen in place until Twilight tapped me on the leg with a hoof, giving a soft giggle, "I know, it's an incredible sight and pretty much everypony that sees it for the first time is stopped in their tracks. It's a very old, very complex enchanted painting. It stopped me the first time, too. It'll be better if you sit down though, so we don't block the door."

Blinking, I gave her a sheepish grin as I tore my eyes away from the impressive creation on the ceiling, my legs regaining their motion as she lead me over to our seats near the head of the table and noting mine was obvious with it being at a height better suited to my body, "I suppose I can admire it later."

Taking a seat to Twilight's right, herself closest to the head of the table, assuming it was her Princess status, and finding the plush chair was even more comfortable than it looked, I found my eyes looking around the table and now noticing the various ponies already seated around the table. The only empty chairs were for the rest of the girls and Spike, with the two at the head of the table clearly intended for Celestia and Luna.

I also noticed every other pony present was staring at me.

Some were amused, others looked somewhat bored. My eyes lingered on Captain Spitfire a bit longer, dressed in her blue button-up uniform jacket with shirt and tie, seeing her quirk a brow with a widening smirk to add to her amused look. Two that sat beside each other were subtly glaring and evaluating me. The rest simply curious and I wasn't quite sure what to make of it. The most interesting two though, were directly across from Twilight and I.

Princess Cadence and Prince Consort Shining Armor were watching me with interest. Cadence was wearing her royal regalia and seemed almost giddy. Shining Armor was dressed in what I supposed was his dress uniform red coat, giving me a shrewd look that didn't take much to know he was studying me.

Deciding that I might as well break the ice with him at the same time I made a deliberate first impression to all the ponies present beyond me staring awestruck at the ceiling like an idiot, I leaned forward a little, meeting his stare for a long moment.

"You know, Prince Armor, it'll last longer if you take a picture."

One of his brows raised a bit at that, a small smirk working onto his face. Cadence started giggling softly, as did Twilight. A glance around the table told me most of the other ponies were more amused than before and even the two glaring ones didn't look as suspicious with one of them even smirking faintly. I simply broke into a small grin for my part. The sound beyond the door told me the girls were soon to arrive. Another few minutes or so, the Princesses would likely arrive to start off the proceedings, whatever they were going to be.

When he still hadn't responded, Twilight spoke up, "Shiny, Cadence. It's great to see you again. Sorry we'll have to put off a proper meet and greet until the summit ends for the day."

Shining Armor gave his sister a smile as Cadence giggled again before she spoke, "Don't worry about it, Twilight. We'll have plenty of time later. As for you Mister Drayce, I'll really be looking forward to having words with you later, heehee."

Raising a brow as the girls took their seats, Spike settling in next to me, I wasn't sure how to respond to her words, "Uh, sure, Princess Cadenza. Wrong setting?"

Her grin widened, now giggling into her hoof. Her eyes danced but she said nothing further. I was getting the feeling that talking to her later was going to be quite...interesting.

Shining Armor was still studying me, but he did seem a more relaxed in a way, "I want to have words with you later, Mister Drayce. Everypony at this table has read your file, so you are aware. That includes your prior knowledge of Equestria, passing the Judgement spell and that you have received the trust of our Princesses. In other words, you're an interesting one that we are expecting much from, despite having just met and otherwise knowing little about you. I want to extend my thanks as well. Your protecting Twilight from the fall, then later her and Miss Zecora from the timber wolves was no small effort, nor the cost to yourself something to be brushed aside. Thank you for keeping my sister safe."

Giving him a slow nod and restraining my surprise and discomfort, my words were brief for lack of knowing how to respond, "I...did what I had to. She's worth it."

Shining Armor smirked a bit once more, "As I said, we'll talk later."

"Hey Captain Spitfire, think you'll have time to chat after the meeting's over?" Rainbow Dash spoke up, looking across the table to the mare in question.

"Actually Rainbow Dash, depending on how this meeting goes, there's a chance I'll need to talk to you later as it is. Flap to a small cloud most likely." Spitfire replied with surprising seriousness.

I noticed Dash's ears perk rigidly forward all of a sudden as she sat up a little straighter, "No problem, Captain."

For the most part, there was little said and I got a lot of eyes focused on me over most of it before the Princesses arrived. Having a lack of conversational options, in a weighty setting like this, and being scrutinized by so many eyes...I was grateful when Twilight brushed a hoof against my leg under the table and eased my nerves. I gave her a small lopsided smile of appreciation, catching her eyes and feeling myself steady again, still quite on edge after yesterday. The eyes of the room didn't matter with her there, though I was sure they saw my tension.

Celestia and Luna soon appeared and made their way to their seats at the head of the table, settling in without a word as they gazed around the table at what I guessed were the highest ranking officers of the entire Equestrian military.

Celestia cleared her throat delicately before speaking in a tone that even felt more official than usual, "Guards, please seal the doors. Let none disturb us for anything but the gravest events."

The two guardsponies snapped off salutes and exited the room, closing the doors behind them. A heavy thud from the other side said they really did just seal the doors against entry.

After they departed, Luna spoke, "Please give us a moment to set the wards and we may begin."

Both of the Princesses' horns became surrounded by their respective magical auras. I only caught bits and pieces of the spells they were using, most of it beyond my current studies. Wards for the blocking of scrying or listening appeared to be among the number of things they enchanted the very walls with. The walls and even the air seemed to shimmer a few times before they were done.

Celestia again spoke in the subtly commanding, official tone, "As you all know, it has been some time since we last needed to call a meeting in this manner. Thankfully, King Sombra remains sealed and is not a matter we need address today. However, it is with a heavy heart that this is not to be a time of assessing a potential threat, but acknowledgement of a looming one that has you all gathered here."

Her eyes scanned around the room, looking more the ruler than I'd ever seen her as she continued, "Long ago, well before the first Nightmare Moon incident, my sister and I crafted a divination spell in hopes of preempting new threats to our land. Sadly, a threat was thus revealed. Though we discovered what we feared most, it was not until the arrival of our human friend Mister Drayce that the vague timeline was to begin. With his arrival, events have now demonstrated themselves fully in motion and the time of our greatest trial draws near.

"The focal point of everything to come is the Tree of Harmony. Why it appears under threat, we do not yet know, nor how that threat is to manifest. What we do know is if we fail to stop this threat the Tree of Harmony itself will be left broken and dead. Though it is supposed to be impossible to harm the Tree, something has gained that power. As you all know, should such a thing come to pass, Equus itself shall be left naught but a wasteland to all life as the great storms would be free to cover us all. Luna and I willl step into our full birthright to protect it at the end, knowing the cost would end most of Equestria itself...but our divination has shown no branch revealing us doing so. We fear that it means after a certain point should we have failed, it will be too late.

"My sister and I regretfully cannot offer as much information as we would like. Our divination is even now most difficult to read with any certainty beyond what has already presented itself. The spell we created provides us a vision mixed with both metaphorical and literal events. Separating the two is challenging at best so I will only present what we are confident will be of value to the efforts of all of you.

"I have asked the Bearers and Mister Drayce to attend this summit because of our divination. They have different eyes, different perspectives outside the well-honed skills of all of you. I believe they will have some insight over the course of this week and they need to take in certain things for later on as we prepare ourselves for what is to come.

"Luna and I are hereby activating wartime protocols. For the time being, this is strictly for internal matters so we may approach events with the proper mindset. For as long as we are able, it will be best to keep this from public knowledge to avoid panic. Until further notice, deviating as needed on a case by case basis, all of you will need to prepare yourselves for your enhanced positions. Wartime ranks will be activated in full once we cannot keep this silent any longer. You have all proven yourselves numerous times in your careers. I know you will not let us down.

"Our first challenge is finding our enemy. As we speak there is an army rising somewhere beyond our borders. What beings of Equus it is made of has yet to be revealed to us but it is my fervent hope that such things cannot remain hidden long, regardless of the vagaries of the divination. They must be discovered."

She turned her gaze to Cadence, "Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, ruler of the Crystal Empire. Through our treaties of alliance, I request we merge our strength in mutual defense. I would like your husband, Prince Consort Shining Armor, to lead our combined military. He is the best qualified to take on this difficult task, being familiar with both our nations, their needs, methods, and capabilities. This is to be in effect immediately."

With an air of seriousness and her own regal mask, Cadence gave a slow nod, "The Crystal Empire hereby accepts the request of Equestria and the establishing of Prince Consort Shining Armor as the leader of our combined forces. All further requests are unilaterally granted to Equestria for the duration necessary."

Celestia gave a small smirk as she relaxed her demeanor for a moment, "I wish all diplomacy was that easy. Thank you, Cadence."

"No kidding. You're welcome, Aunty." Cadence returned softly.

A glance around the table at a few faces told me just how stunned the rest of the table was. Myself, Spike, and the girls were already informed of much of it, so we weren't taken by surprise by the reveal of a looming threat.

The part about the Tree of Harmony and what sounds like the end of the world was not quite so easy, however.

The merging of militaries was a little unexpected, but honestly not so much with what Celestia and Luna see coming. The rest of the ponies attending weren't even trying to hide their reactions at first.

Luna took over after a pause to take in the news, every bit the ruler as her sister, "As indicated in your summons, I know you have all brought with you today the first portion of necessary information with which, over the course of this week, we may all take stock of our available assets and resources, then review our plans of defense. We shall be as prepared as we can until more of the threat reveals itself."

She turned to Shining Armor, "Prince Armor, at the conclusion of this meeting you will be provided with a copy of a journal that has been scribed by Mister Drayce. Consider the information within of the utmost importance and at the highest level of secrecy. He has been gracious enough to provide us with a multitude of new ideas and concepts, many of them related to his knowledge of advanced human weapon and defense technologies the likes of which we have never known. My sister and I will need your counsel in choosing the most useful to pass along for development in the coming days. Many things contained within must never be allowed into the light of my sister's Sun. However, please consider everything you find and provide us with your insights in things we may otherwise fail to consider."

Shining Armor's eyes flicked to me for a long moment at the mention of human weapons but otherwise had no visible reaction, his voice level, "I understand, Princess Luna. Will the human book 'Art of War' and the rest also be ready?"

Luna nodded, "It will." She turned to look across the table, "You will all receive copies. It is our hope 'The Art of War' in particular will prove a valuable additional resource for all of you. As you are all aware, the world of Earth from which Mister Drayce hails has, for a wide range of reasons both noble and vile, experienced numerous wars far beyond anything we have ever known in memory here upon Equus for more than three thousand years and before Equestria's founding. It is understood this book has been prized for a few thousand years on a world with no immortals living to carry it consistently. Please use it well."

Turning back to Shining Armor, "Prince Armor, if you would please start us off?"

Shining Armor gave Luna a nod and flipped open a folder before him before beginning to lay out necessary details. The less engaging aspects that make going to war function are a bit dry. It was difficult to follow due to my lacking much frame of reference.

As he was the sole military representative of the Crystal Empire, he seemed to cover everything. Every relevant area for a short yet thorough overview. The last assisting division of regular troops were already returned to Equestria a few weeks ago, leaving only a number of Equestrian trainers to help the Crystal Empire continue to modernize their own military forces. Briefly answering a few questions here and there from the Princesses on things they needed a bit more depth. It took a fair length of time.

When Shining Armor finished, Luna nodded to the next pony at the table.

Colonel Dauntless Mountain, the well-built deep blue pegasus with yellow and green striped mane that was Shining Armor's replacement as Equestria's Captain of the Guard, began working through things specific to the Solar Guard ground troops. He radiated an air of command to rival Shining Armor.

Colonel Willing Burden was Captain of the Lunar Guard divisions. A Lunar pegasus with a dark orange mane and midnight black coat, his rather striking bright silver slitted eyes were sharp with intelligence. He went through the Lunar Guard's divisions, seeming mostly Lunar pegasi with a smaller number of ground forces. From what I had gathered up to then, like the Solar Guard did for Celestia, the Lunar Guard performed the usual protection duties for Luna but were otherwise reminding me of how the Marine Corps compared to the US Army in a way.

When he was done, Colonel Spitfire was next at the table. I found out she was not just Captain of the Wonderbolts, her usual rank address, and their training academy, but also head of all pegasi forces of the Solar Guard's airborne wings. She didn't take too long, quickly running through the readiness state and projected time to full active status of what she called her flock. What surprised me most was her comments about the Wonderbolts Initiative and estimated time to completion upon activation.

Next was the Head of Equestrian Intelligence, an earth pony named Sneaky Sunshine. She had an off white coat with a mane streaked with gold and tan in some sort of simple black suit and tie, which gave me a moment of wondering at that. Then, with a noticeable and rather odd cheeriness, she went through her part on the state of the intelligence service, though seemed lacking anything outside Equestria. She was one of the two that had been particularly intent on me with the earlier staring. I had the feeling she enjoyed her job a bit much.

Beside her was another member of intelligence. Chief Operative Rolling Shadow, head of external field operations. He was a unicorn, though he did not seem quite normal. The only thing I could sort out was he had to be some sort of Lunar unicorn because he resembled a thestral so much with his pale gold eyes having cat-like irises, fuzzy ears and shaggier coat. His coat was charcoal grey, almost black with a mane a midnight blue. He was the other pony that had been staring at me with such intensity before. Something about the look in his eyes said he was trusting of no one until I saw him look directly at Luna and caught a flash of devoted adoration.

I gathered Equestrian Intelligence was run equally by the two of them as he went over key points of field agents and how field operations were going. He added there were no current indications of a new army rising anywhere but would have the more specific goal sent out as soon as we were done for the day.

The earth pony stallion with a mottled cyan and white coat and a pale blue mane next to him was another surprise. Captain Cloudbreaker was the senior commanding officer in charge of the Equestrian Airship Navy. He spoke with confidence as he relayed the general status of his branch. I was a bit surprised when he included specifics about something called the Bastion-class. There were six vessels under the classification and important enough to mention separately. All under some sort of rotation with two active and four docked. The sixth, Treasured Moon, was just commissioned to active service only three months prior.

It carried on around the table to an aged unicorn mare with a silvery mane and indigo coat. The white-robed mare named Archmagus Hidden Tomes was the head of the Disciples. She didn't take very long. Most of it was only between the Princesses and the Archmagus.

They were separate from the other more renowned mage circles because they focused on direct confrontation above all. A small group of never more than one hundred specially selected, talented unicorns that were very rarely tapped for action. Briefly, my mind compared them to the idea of Navy SEAL battlemages. In modern times, they to serve more as a deterrent against any rogue groups that thought using magic was a good vehicle to cause trouble with, as the Lunar Guard attended covert operations in most cases.

Over the centuries, their part in the military hadn't evolved much in contrast to the rest and were famed for several practical magical developments inspired by their combat applications. They were also rumored to be just as famous for how unusual, even quirky, some of their number were, but they tended to be reclusive to the point of mystery.

As I had read a little about their group not long ago, I was glad I had not forgotten something this time. Though I supposed I would not be able to tell either way.

As the few remaining at the table went through necessary things, giving updates and present status, timelines for various topics with foreign peacekeeping matters in particular, I began to gather that Equestria was remarkably similar to the United States that I formerly called home on Earth.

More than ever, I realized some of just how much life in Ponyville was isolated from the rest of this world. Maybe I was just blinded by the spell over me, but I was feeling smaller than before in a way.

Quiet and pleasant. A simple peaceful way of life was the order of every day. It did not matter so much with the fact the town was arguably the world's biggest magnet for random weird crap going on. Perhaps that was due to being the only town on the edge of the Everfree Forest, as even Pinkie had her limits. I wasn't sure if I had learned about that side of things or not due to the Rose Window. I'd have to remember to read up on it more.

Either way, the first day of the Royal Summit was somewhat monotonous with detail work and I was expecting it was going to stay that way. What Celestia and Luna expected we needed to hear was a mystery. While listening to the other ponies trading questions between themselves and the Princesses, the remarks and suggestions about the divination and where adjustments could be made was interesting enough, it was ultimately somewhat boring.

We were nearing the end of hours of discussion and review that myself, Spike and the Bearers were merely silent witnesses to, occasional glances at Pinkie showing she had a small eye twitch going from needing to sit still and quiet so long. It was when Celestia turned to us that things started getting much more interesting.

"There is one last thing I wish to cover for this first day. Twilight, you and your friends will be assigned a squad of hoof-picked guards that will be charged with keeping you safe. Until this newest trial, you were all safe enough to continue as you have. I would have done this far sooner had I felt differently..." Celestia said in a gentle tone, almost like she was expecting resistance.

The why became apparent as she continued, "I anticipate a couple of weeks in which to find the right candidates and select the guardsponies you will need. Each of you will be required to begin military training in basic combat, as well as areas aligned to your unique skills. The things you must face in the future are no longer at a level you will be safe no matter how much training I give you and I will not allow you to go forward without seeing you as prepared as possible.

"Primarily, this will include self-defense and survival training. Luna and I will do everything in our power to keep you from the actual fighting, but nor will we take chances with your lives in this. I fear I must make this an order as your sovereign this time, so you understand just how important this truly is.

"As Twilight is a Princess, she will officially be recognized as your only superior in regards to the chain of command. While Rainbow Dash is technically a reservist of the Pegasi Forces, there are other plans in place. For the rest of you, I am not drafting you into service. However, this is your only option otherwise. I am sorry to drop this upon you so suddenly, but I want you safe as I can manage. There is no way to keep you out of danger this time, as there will be moments Luna or I must send you into harm's way or where it will find you.

"As for yourself Mister Drayce...you are hereby drafted into Equestria's armed services and given the title of Guardian, along with an equivalent in rank to a Colonel. The rank is in name only to help clarify hierarchy while in the field on assignment. You will take your orders from myself, Luna, Cadence or Shining Armor and give none outside of the squad assigned to the Bearers. We will also have an officer sent to Ponyville with the aforementioned squad we will assemble. They will give you the necessary training of the requirements and responsibilities of an Equestrian officer.

"Even more than the Bearers, you will be in harm's way as their shield. Your primary duty is their protection and safety. When the officer we will assign you feels you are ready, command of the squad will become yours for as long as necessary. I know you will treat them fairly." Celestia held a troubled look in her eyes.

I could scarcely take in the tremendous jump all that was. I knew enough to expect I'd be protecting the Bearers, but this was something else, unsettling even. If the Princesses felt that was necessary, I worried that much more for what the girls and I were going to endure. Still...no matter what happened, I would defend them. The rest was unimportant by contrast to that.

Before I had much time to contemplate everything though, I noticed an odd look on Shining Armor's face as he stared at me.

After meeting his gaze for several long seconds, he seemed to frown with resignation as he turned to Celestia and Luna, speaking in a way that sounded at first reluctant, then turning scripted, "Princess Celestia...Princess Luna... I...never expected to be the first in, what was it, 300 years to say these words..."

His face became a mask of determination, "My Princesses, thy humble servant seeks thine ear. If mine request is worthy, thou must answer."

Celestia and Luna both went rigid, momentary surprise flashed across their faces before they hardened to stone as they stared back at Shining Armor. The room was dead silent as Celestia responded, "Speak servant, so that thy Princesses may consider it."

Shining Armor met their gaze, voice tense but unwavering, "My Princesses, thy servant seeks the Trial of Proving be granted against yon stallion."

Luna seemed almost angry now, her voice carrying a faint growl as she stared down Shining Armor, "Thy Princesses ask thee to name yon stallion, servant."

Without any outward reaction, he replied in an even tone, "My Princesses, thy servant names Vojin Barloc Drayce, that he may be tested to his truth."

Celestia closed her eyes for a moment, otherwise having no visible reaction I could see, then opened her eyes and turned to me. She stared at me for a long moment with a regal mask that I was getting used to seeing her without before she turned back to Shining Armor and gave a single slow nod, "Thy Princesses accept thy request, servant. Let us make our way to thy answer."

With that, both Celestia and Luna rose to stand, swiftly disenchanting the room's various wards before a chime sounded in the air.

Moments later, the sound of whatever bar blocking the door was heard as the room was unsealed. The doors opened shortly thereafter as each pony rose silently, looking grim. Once the Princesses moved to exit the War Room, the various military ponies proceeded after them.

Cadence gave her husband a brief glare, speaking quietly, "We'll talk about this later, Shining. I trust you did this for a reason, but you will have a lot of explaining to do."

As Cadence swiftly made her exit, Shining Armor looked at me with determination, though also looking like he was unhappy about a necessary action, "Come, Mister Drayce. I know you aren't aware of what this ritual is or how it works but we need to get ourselves moving. This does not require silence so I will explain some of it on the way. Twilight, girls, please go with everypony else. We have to walk together to the appropriate courtyard separate from you."

Speculations aside, I expected Shining Armor had a plan with whatever was going on and enough respect from others for me to trust this was not something done without a very good reason.

The emotions I felt coming off of Twilight were a strange mix of concern and anger. The girls only looked confused with some worry.

My fingers brushed through Twilight's mane before I spoke, "Girls, Spike, go on. Twilight, that means you too. I might not have a clue what this is really about but I know you trust your brother and I trust your judgement of him. He must have a good reason. I'm sure Celestia and Luna would draw a line if necessary."

Twilight looked at me for a long moment, worry in her eyes as she chewed on her bottom lip before she spoke, "Vojin, you can refuse. There is an exemption for foreign-born Equestrians receiving a challenge like this. Please consider refusing when you have the chance. You simply don't have the training in magic yet."

I knelt down so it was easier and kissed her nasal bridge as fingertips brushed across her cheeks, "I'll consider it when I know what's going on. Now you and the girls get going. Your brother's not an evil mastermind or anything. I'll hear him out first. Go on."

She nuzzled my cheek before going with the girls and Spike, shooting me a look like she expected me to do something crazy.

Shining Armor moved next to me after I stood up again after watching Twilight leave and he motioned for me to follow as I wondered what I was getting drawn into.