The Price of Freedom

Authors Note(as usual): here is chapter 3 of "The Price of Freedom", hope y'all enjoy it. Big thanks to Neon Scythe and NightfallTheDragon for being my betas. (remastered)

Disclaimer(do I even have to do this): I don't own My Little Pony Hasbro does (curse you) so please don't sue me.

Chapter 3: The Truth Arises In Everfree Forest

"H-how c-could th-they be so he-heartless, she w-was my one and on-only sister," sobbed Princess Luna.

"Now now don't cry little one."

Startled, Princess Luna looked around for the source of the strange but somehow calming voice.

"Who's there?" Luna questioned in a scared voice.

"I am a timeless creature that has roamed Equestria since the beginning of time. The force you now face, is an ancient evil, called the Shadow Wraiths. They seek only destruction and chaos, they seek to destroy all of Equestria."

"H-how do I defeat them?" asked Luna, a little startled of a being that had been around since the beginning of time.

"You can't." It simply stated.

"But..." was all Luna could say before she was cut off.

"You can't yet, not with your current power level."

"How can I get strong enough to beat it?" she asked with the resolution of a true warrior princess.

"You must journey to the ends of the earth, there you will find a temple, that is where you need to go."

"I promise I will defeat the Shadow Wraiths." she stated resolutely.

"I pray that you do if not your sister will be gone forever." It stated with great solace in its' voice.

Meanwhile In Ponyville...

"I simply can't believe she ran away from us like that." stated Rarity in her snobbish voice.

"Can you blame her, she believes that she was the cause of Celestia's death." said Twilight, in an understanding voice.

"We have ta find her 'fore she gets hurt." stated Applejack, in her usual southern drawl.

"Ah we got bigger problems." stated Rainbow Dash.

Just then a Shadow Wraith that was 3 stories high destroyed town hall with its' giant fist.

"Yay, I get to try out my new and improved party cannon!" exclaimed Pinkie Pie.

"Boy oh boy, the price of freedom is steep and high." stated Fluttershy.

"ATTACK!!!" yelled all of the Mane Six in unison.

Meanwhile in Everfree...

"Where do I need to start?" asked a now resolute Luna.

"Start where the heavens touch the earth, there you will find ancient armor that will protect you from the Shadow Wraiths." stated the wise voice.

"Okay I will." Luna stated.

"It will be dangerous, take this with you." at that moment, a sword forged in the heavens descended and stuck itself in the ground, in front of Luna.

"It will keep me safe?" Luna asked.

"No. There is no safety to be found in a sword. A sword brings death, it does not give life, it only takes it. It is a responsibility. A burden. This is no gift. It is a curse. I hope one day you will forgive me." stated the voice in a sorrowful tone.

"Okay I understand." Luna stated.

Meanwhile in Ponyville...

"....this thing.....just won't......die.." stated Rainbow Dash out of breath.

"Tell me...about...it." said an exhausted Fluttershy, while barley holding up her buster sword.

"This here thing needs ta die." With that Applejack took aim at the Shadow Wraith's head and fired.

"Yeehaa, take that ya overgrown shadow!"

"I think it did AJ." stated Twilight.

The Shadow Wraith got up unaffected by the bullet and aimed one of its giant fists at Applejack.

"Applejack look out." yelled Rainbow Dash, as she pushed Applejack out of the way of the death punch, but ended up being clipped by the fist.

"Ya okay Rainbow?"

"Nothing that ending this monster won't help." With those words, Rainbow Dash took Fluttershy's buster sword and flew as high as she could. She then nosedived the sword first, into the Shadow Wraith, ending its reign of terror.

Meanwhile in an unknown location...

"Your highness, they just felled our juggernaut." spoke a Shadow Wraith, in very decorative armor.

"How did they manage to defeat one of our most powerful soldiers?" asked the King of the Shadow Wraiths.

"I don't know sire."

"We are the death of life, we snuff out all hope, we can't let this go unpunished." spoke the King while bearing his long, grotesque, saw like fangs.

"Send in the Omega." said the King with a twisted, and demented smile. "They will know true terror soon enough."

Meanwhile in Fluttershy's cottage...

"I told you it's only a flesh wound." said a very annoyed Rainbow Dash.

All of a sudden a huge crash and explosion was heard outside.

"Y'all may want ta come outside and see this." said Applejack, with so much fear in her voice it was tangible.

A Shadow Wraith, with grotesque dragon wings, stood before all of the Mane Six.

"How are we supposed to kill that thing?" questioned Twilight Sparkle.

"Keep attacking it until it dies that's how!" exclaimed Rainbow Dash.

"If we don't make it, it's been a honor being a friend to all of ya and getting to meet ya all." said Applejack.

Authors note: kinda left y'all on a cliffhanger, my bad. As usual, constructive criticism is always welcomed, rate, review, and enjoy. As per usual fashion.

"May Your Lucky Stars Always Smile Down Upon Thee."

-Lunas' Eternal Protector