One night at the Storm Castle; home of the Storm King, inside one room was Tempest looking out into the distance through a window. As she looked out into the distance seeing nothing but water for miles, she was deep in her own thoughts. One would think she would have nothing but fighting and conquering in the name of the Storm King on her mind, but this time she had other things on the mind.

In her thoughts she saw herself as a kid with other ponies her age having fun, laughing, and smiling. But then her memories shifted and she heard the sound of a scream and the sight of a beast slashing its paw, before seeing a unicorn horn fly off.

She snapped out of her thoughts and gasped heavily in shock. She gripped onto the wall to keep herself from falling. Once she regained her breath, she pulled herself up and straightened out.

She looked back at the window wiping off her look of shock with the same emotionless cold demeanor she always bore, “Never again.” she muttered to herself.

Suddenly there was a knock at her chamber door, “Hey, Tempest, you in there? It's Grubber!”

Tempest sighed, and answered, “What is it?”

“His highness the Storm King summons you asap!”

“I'll be there.” she answered. Doing one last fix of herself, she left her chamber and headed for the throne room.

Soon enough, Tempest entered the throne room where the Storm King sat on his throne, “Approach, Tempest.” he instructed.

Tempest walked closer before presenting herself before her master, “You summoned me, your excellency?” she inquired.

“Yes, Tempest, I'm assume you know how our army has been failing at eliminating the Elements of Harmony and the Dragon King, are you?” Storm King asked, while sharpening his nails on a file.

“I'm aware of the setbacks, your majesty.”

“And why do you suppose that is?”

“I don't want to admit it, sir...”

“Admit what?” The King squinted his eyes at her in suspicion.

Tempest not intimidated by his look, answered, “But perhaps we like so many before us have underestimated the group,” when the Storm King got off his throne and stomped down the stairs, Tempest continued, “All I'm saying is, we've done the same tactic as we did before in other lands, but things are different this time. In Equestria, these heroes know how to fight, and have access to magic and power that's proven to be greater than your own.”

The king stopped as he reached the final step and looked down at his commander, “And what do you suggest we do about it, I'd like to know?”

“I would suggest we strengthen our forces. Not just Storm Guards, but stronger help. Help that can be persuaded to join us.”

Storm King rubbed his chin as he pondered on Tempest's suggestion, before answering, “You know, Tempest, you may be onto something. It's true our old tactics have gotten a bit stale, and I don't like stale. It just doesn't strike terror in the hearts of others. So yes, additional help would be beneficial. And I may know just the ones. Guard!” he announced, as one of his goons entered, and presented itself, “Prepare my blimp. I'm going on a little search.”

The guard grunted while nodding and headed off. As Storm King started walking for the exit, he spoke, “Tempest, until I return, you are in charge.”

“How long will you be gone, sir?” Tempest asked.

“As long as it takes if I'm to find what I need.”

“And what do you have in mind?” the commander inquired.

The king smirked, “Oh, I promise you, Tempest, who I intend to look for will really tip the scale into our favor. And Tempest, while I'm away, don't do anything rash. We don't wanna another repeat like what happened at the summit.” and with that he left the throne room.

With Tempest alone, she looked up at the king's throne looking intrigued. She walked up the stairs before plopping herself into it. She got comfortable feeling good about sitting there. She smirked, and spoke to herself.

“Well, if I'm in charge for now, then I should at least carry out what the Storm King would want. To eliminate the Elements of Harmony. And I'll start with the precious Princess and her Dragon husband.” she snickered.

A week later in Equestria, Spike, Twilight, and their friends were in the western town of Appleoosa. They walked around the dusty streets taking in the sights of the old shops set up including the 'finest comforts' such as horse-drawn carriages, horse-drawn horse-drawn carriages, wild west dances, and mild wild west dances.

“Whoo-wee!” Applejack cheered in excitement, “Appleoosa, now this here's my kinda town.”

“It's almost like it was made for you.” Pinkie noted.

“Come on, let's grab a drink already.” Rainbow said in boredom.

“Rainbow Dash, you should really stop to appreciate all a place has to offer,” Rarity reprimanded her, “I mean just look at the wonderfully detailed western attire they have to offer here. Though I may be a girl of posh and glamorous fashion, I still appreciate all the different styles across our world, and here in Equestria. Even western chic.”

“I'm bored now,” Rainbow said dryly, “So let's get a drink!” Rarity shook her head knowing her words fell upon deaf ears.

So they walked into the Appleoosa saloon known as the Salt Block. Upon entering they saw various earth pony folk engaging in regular old western activities. Some were at tables playing card games, enjoying drinks up at the bar counter, while up on the stage were pony show girls doing a dance routine as a pony played the piano.

They walked up to the bar, as a pony was cleaning a glass spoke to them, “Well, howdy, Princess Twilight and crew. How're you all doin'?”

“We're doing good, Tapper.” Twilight answered.

“Business looks like it's doing good here too.” Pinkie looked around.

“It sure is, Ms. Pie,” Tapper confirmed, “So what can I get ya for?”

“A round of Cider for us all, Tapper.” Spike instructed.

“Coming right up.” Tapper began filling glasses with Appleoosa Cider and played them before each of the girls and Spike.

They took a sip of their drink, as Rainbow licked her lips, “Ah, I love this town's cider. I mean it's nothing on the Apple Family cider, but it's still hard to pass up.”

“I know, right?” Sunset asked.

“Yeah, the cider is delicious, but I love this place for more than that,” Spike began, as he looked up at the show girl ponies all lined up doing a kick dance. Spike eyed their long legs covered in fishnet stockings, while taking a closer glance up their skirts, “The entertainment here is an eyeful.” he smiled lustfully.

“Spike.” Twilight said sternly.

Spike snapped out of his lustful daze, and looked away, “Sorry, Twilight.” he said sheepishly.

Suddenly the saloon doors opened and stepping in was an earth pony with a black mustache, and had a sheriff badge on his vest. The saloon patrons paused their activities to look at the pony who spoke to them.

“Please, don't stop on my account.”

And so they patrons continued, as the pony moseyed over to the heroes at the counter, “Howdy, everypony.”

“Howdy, Sheriff Silverstar.” Applejack greeted him.

“It's mighty nice, ya'll could pay our town a visit today.” the sheriff said gratefully.

“Well, we were due for a quick check on this town.” Starlight answered.

“Indeed,” Twilight agreed, “How're things going between you and the Buffalo's?”

“All's good.” he answered.

“Good. As long as you guys all keep maintaining the truce you forged neither of you should have any problems.” Spike said.

“Of course. As long as we provide the Buffalo with a stampeding road for them, we get to use the land for our orchards. Provided we share our treats with them.” the Sheriff stated.

“That way everypony gets something.” Fluttershy nodded.

As they continued to relax, a pony galloped into the saloon frantically, “Sheriff Silverstar! Sheriff Silverstar!”

“Easy, son, what's all the hub-bub?” the sheriff asked calming the pony.

“Me and some friends spotted some strangers heading this way, and they don't look friendly.” the pony explained in worry.

“Who are these strangers?” the sheriff inquired.

“Big and fury, and a pony's leading them. She's a unicorn, but it don't look like her horn's in one piece.”

Spike and the girls gasped knowing too well who the pony was talking about, “Tempest.” Twilight squinted.

“Sheriff, lead these strangers to us.” Spike instructed.

“Are ya sure?” the sheriff asked.

“Don't worry, we know how to handle these guys.” Rainbow smirked, as they left the saloon.

Once outside they went to the center of town before looking up ahead. They saw Tempest leading a squad of Storm Guards. When the bad guys got close enough, they stopped and started Spike and the girls down. A lone tumbleweed rolled across from them, as a split screen showed both sides still in their stand off.

“Ain't you varmints a long way from wherever you call home?” Applejack asked with a scowl.

“We needed the change of scenery.” Tempest humored her with a sneer.

“If you're looking to take over this town for your boss then you got another thing coming.” Rainbow said, getting ready to make a move.

“Please, this town isn't even worth conquering. Rather we'll just destroy it, along with all of you with it.” Tempest laughed.

“Well, you just came here all for nothing.” Pinkie said.

“Because we're not gonna let you do that.” Sunset added.

“You're welcomed to try and stop us.” Tempest tempted them.

“Challenge accepted.” Spike said, as he assumed his armor form.

“Attack!” Tempest announced, as the Storm Guards charged.

“Come on!” Twilight ordered, as the girls and Spike went on the attack.

Applejack dodged a punch from one of the guards, grabbed it by the arm and threw it over her shoulder. The guard ended up landing in a nearby water trough breaking it. Rainbow zipped around two guards before barreling at them at full force knocking them down like bowling pins.

Rarity back flipped before one guard could strike her with his spear. She landed gracefully on her feet before blasting it with her magic.

“Don't you know it's rude to strike a lady?” she asked with her head held high.

“Rarity, behind you!” Fluttershy called, as she used her wind power to blow one of the guards away.

Rarity without even turning around to look at the guard coming at her from behind stomped the ground before a pillar of earth rose up below the guard sending him up high, before he came crashing down.

“All good, darling.” Rarity told her.

Pinkie while bouncing around several guards avoiding their strikes laughed, “Come on, boys. You're making this too easy!” she then got close to a water tower, and concentrated. Suddenly the water was pouring out through it in streams that circled Pinkie before she blasted it at three of the guards, “It's important to stay hydrated. Especially out here.” Pinkie said to the fourth wall.

Sunset and Starlight were tag teaming against four guards blasting them with magic, before swapping sides to finish them off.

“This could make for quite a western film.” Sunset told Starlight.

“With a few non western elements.” Starlight added.

Finally Tempest and four more guards were facing off against Spike and Twilight, with both husband and wife alternating between fighting Tempest and the guards.

“I'm surprised to see you here without your boss.” Spike told Tempest, before blocking her kick, only for her to unleash an explosive magic shot knocking Spike back.

“The Storm King is dealing with other matters, so for now I am in charge.” she answered.

“It doesn't matter who's in charge,” Twilight replied, as she blasted away two of the guards, “Neither you or the Storm King will conquer Equestria. Not so long as there are those like us willing to protect it!”

“You think you can protect it forever?” Tempest scoffed, “Sooner or later, every hero has their fall.”

“That may be,” Spike said, as he flew in after taking out the other two guards, “But as they say when one hero falls another will rise.”

“Not if they don't live to remember you!” Tempest growled, as she attacked both Twilight and Spike together who fought back.

Twilight blasted at Tempest with her magic, but the commander shook it off and resumed her attack. She attacked Spike who dodged some of her blows, before delivering a punch to her face knocking her to the ground.

Tempest got up still not ready to yield. She growled and charged in attacking Twilight head on. The two mares engaged strikes from punches and kicks. Both ended up taking some of the blows, but shook it off. When Twilight saw Tempest was about to attack with her explosive magic, she quickly teleported away resulting in Tempest missing her target. Spike flew in and shot a fireball at Tempest pushing her off her feet.

The commander got back up and fought Spike head on again giving it her all, with Spike doing all he could to keep up. As they fought, Spike could see Tempest's anger was growing, and knew he could use that to his advantage. As he dodged more of Tempest's attacks she kept getting angrier and started losing focus with her aiming.

Once Spike saw Tempest leave herself open, he threw a punch right at her stomach making her eyes bulge out. He continued his onslaught by delivering more slugs to Tempest at her head and torso. He then took a swipe at her torso armor with his dragon claw managing to put scratch marks into it.

“How's this for explosive?!” Spike unleash a blast of fire at Tempest engulfing her in the intense flames. When they cleared, Tempest was on the ground looking scorched.

Spike and Twilight watched, as Tempest scorched and bruised struggled to her feet, “She's still getting up?” Twilight asked in shock.

“That mare's stubborn.” Spike said.

“I'm not going to lose. Not here, not today, not ever!” Tempest growled.

“Look at yourself, Tempest,” Twilight spoke up, “You think you can keep fighting like this? Sooner or later you're gonna give out.”

“Not if you give first.” Tempest struggled.

Spike looked at her in disbelief, “Why do this to yourself, Tempest?”

Tempest frowned, while squinting her eyes, “I cannot afford to fail the Storm King. Only he has the means to help me restore my horn. And I will do whatever he desires to make that happen!”

The girls and Spike were taken aback by her words, but their moment was interrupted by a surprising arrival, “Tempest!”

Everyone looked to see the Storm King approaching, and he did not look happy, “Oh, great, now he's here.” Rainbow sighed.

Tempest looked to her master, “Your highness, I know this looks bad but-” she was cut off when the Storm King punched her to the ground, surprising everyone, including his own guards, “Your excellency?” the commander gasped.

“I gave you specific instructions to not do anything rash in my absence!” the King reprimanded her.

“Sire, I did this for you!” Tempest pleaded.

“A likely story.” the King replied skeptically.

“How did you even know to come here?” Tempest asked, until she saw Grubber peek out from behind him looking nervous.

“Sorry, Tempest, he beat it out of me.” he winced.

The Storm King looked onto Tempest's state with disappointed, “I trusted you as my loyal commander, Tempest. You who led my army on the field without question and without failure. Now look what's become of you. Defeated by a lowly dragon and his pony playmates!”

“I am not lowly!” Spike snorted.

“Your highness, if you please. I can make it up to you!” Tempest pleaded.

“It's too late, Tempest. Consider our deal broke,” Storm King powered up his own lightning in his staff and blasted at her. The attack didn't connect as it had been repelled by a crystal wall, “What?!”

“Rarity?” the girls asked Rarity who shrugged, clearly not the one who protected Tempest.

They suddenly saw it was Spike who had harnessed his own earth and crystal magic to shield her. The Storm King was utterly confused.

“Why're you protecting this scum?!” he demanded.

“Scum to you, but nobody deserves to get mercilessly destroyed by you. Not even her.” Spike said, as Tempest looked up at Spike with feeling of confusion and yet somewhat relieved.

“Fine, I'll take you both out!” The King was ready to strike again, only for the girls to slide in and glow.

“Not today, Stormy!” Rainbow called, as the girls pooled their power to Twilight who blasted the Storm King back with a blast of her enhanced magic making him fly backward down the road landing right out of town. The guards got up and followed Grubber to their fallen master.

“Your highness, are you ok?” Grubber asked, as he was punched by Storm King who got up with his body looked roughed up.

“I'm fine. Let's be off.” he turned to head back to his blimp.

“What about, Tempest?” Grubber asked.

Storm King looked back glaring at him, “She's dead to me.” he continued on with Grubber nervously following his master. When they boarded the blimp it took off back to their land.

With the threat averted, Spike and the girls powered down and rested, “Well, that sure was exhausting.” Spike told the girls.

“I'm still fresh as a daisy.” Pinkie smiled.

“So what do we do about her?” Starlight motioned to Tempest who passed out following Spike protecting her.

They all looked down at the former commander, until Twilight spoke up, “We'll take her to Canterlot and see what the Princesses' have to say.” So Spike picked Tempest up and held her over his shoulders. Twilight opened a portal to Canterlot, where they all entered.

Later on at the Canterlot hospital, Tempest who was still unconscious and now wearing a hospital gown was lying on a bed hooked up to machines monitoring her heart rate. The nurses had already cleaned her off and healed her burns.

As Spike, the girls, Celestia, and Luna stood outside the room looking at the unconscious mare through the window, a doctor approached, “Well, doctor?” Celestia inquired the status.

“She's still alive, but extremely exhausted and hurt.” he explained.

“Considering she took a full shot of Spike's fire, I'm surprised.” Rainbow admitted.

“We don't know for sure how long she'll be out.” the doctor continued.

Celestia nodded, “Make sure security watches her at all times. We'll be sending some of our guards to help out as well.”

“Inform us whenever she awakes or if anything chances.” Luna added.

“As you wish.” the doctor answered, as he took his leave.

Celestia turned to Spike and the girls, “You're sure the Storm King renounced Tempest as his commander?”

“Based off how he treated her, it's a no brainer.” Spike replied.

“According to her, the Storm King was going to help restore her horn.” Starlight explained.

“And how would he do that?” Applejack wondered.

“No idea. But when she wakes up we're going to have to question her.” Luna said.

“I agree, but let's not overwhelm her when she awakens.” Twilight suggested.

Spike nodded, “Twilight's right. If we want her to cooperate then we can't just come off as a mob. Otherwise she won't tell us anything.”

“Can't Sunset just read her mind?” Fluttershy asked.

“My power won't work unless the subject is conscious.” Sunset explained.

“Though why do we have to make her cooperate after all she did?” Rarity asked in disbelief.

“Because obviously, she was just as much a victim of the Storm King than any of the other lands he's conquered,” Twilight stated, “If we can show her that we trust her and vice versa she may be able to help us put an end to him.”

“It's our best option for now.” Celestia agreed.

“For now all we can do is wait and hope she regains consciousness soon.” Celestia said, as they all looked into the window seeing the comatose mare.

Meanwhile at the Storm King's lair, the king was on his throne grumbling, “Unbelievable, Tempest going behind my back.”

“Well, she did say she did it for you.” Grubber tried to reason with. When the king turned to Grubber frowning, the little hedgehog backed away in fright.

“I told her not to make any rash moves in my absence, and she does it anyway. I'm glad you brought this to my attention, Grubber.”

“Yeah, no problem,” Grubber winced, before muttering, “Not like you gave me a choice.”

“Still no matter with Tempest, because I now have a new way to replace her.” he smirked.

“Yes, you've been gone a week, sir. Did you find what you needed?” Grubber asked.

“Yes. Right here.” he pulled up a rolled up map.

“What is it?”

“A map to the location of some of the most treacherous and dangerous creatures that ever lived in Equestria!”

“Who, sir?”

The Storm King grinned, and answered, “The Titans!”

Author's Note

So now Tempest has been abandoned by the Storm King, and now Spike and the girls have to get her to cooperate when she wakes up. But the King has new plans in store, and you can bet they're going to be a challenge.

Also: Anyone make any Teen Titans Go jokes on this chapter because of the ending, and you're going straight to Tartarus. Not literally, but you know what I mean.