Equestria Noir Case 25 "Endgame"by Jacoboby1ChaptersChapter 2 "Flight of the Highwind"Chapter 3 "The Calm before the Storm"Chapter 4 "The Battle of Ponyville Begins"Chapter 5 "Escalation"Chapter 6 "Fall of Tenacity"Chapter 7 "Rise of Hope"EpilogueChapter 1 "Escape from Canterlot"Chapter 2 "Flight of the Highwind"Chapter 2 “Flight of the Highwind” Perspective: Private Eye I steered the Highwind out into the battle outside. Everywhere the royal guard was locked into mortal combat with the changeling horde. The guards fared better than they did last time, what with not having to worry about the bugs transforming. I ducked as a changeling tried to knock me off. Twilight then fired a bolt of magic at the creature and sent him falling over the edge. “There’s too many of them!” “It’s only getting worse!” Rainbow called from above. “We got another of those portals opening up!” I looked ahead and saw what she was talking about. A blue portal was opening before my eyes and out of it came…a dragon? It was Shar’drel, the dragon who murdered Spike’s parents. The dragon who tried to ensure that Spike died as well. She was different now though, her black scales showed similar blue markings to those on the Changelings. Her eyes seemed, empty somehow. “Hard to starboard!” I cried, turning the ship around. Shar’drel roared a terrifying roar and Twilight held on for dear life to the railing. The ship barely dodged Shar’drel’s swoop and we started moving alongside her. “Pinkie, fire portside cannons!” I yelled. “Firing captain!” Pinkie yelled, the rest of us covered our ears as all three cannons fired at Shar’drel. The dragon got hit in the side by our barrage and seemed disoriented. I then yelled into the hold, “How are we doing on engines?” “Ah’m no expert Private,” Applejack called from below. “But Ah’d say we’re puttin’ her through her paces ere!” “She’s coming back!” Rainbow cried. I turned around and saw Shar’drel was flying straight towards us. Rarity glared at her and growled, “You beast! I will never forgive you for what you did!” She then climbed up to swivel gun mounted on the rear railing and aimed at Shar’drel. She fired and the cannon ball hit the dragon square in the face. Shar’drel roared loudly. It was then I remembered… “We forgot Spike!” I yelled in realization. “He’s probably at the castle!” Twilight said and began pointing. “Turn now and hurry!!!” “Turning now!” I yelled, turning the ship around towards the castle and heading full speed. “Oh dear, I seem to have made her quite angry,” Rarity said, pointing behind us. Twilight and I looked back as Shar’drel flew towards us, opening her jaws wide. “Private, move!!!” Twilight screamed as Shar’drel launched a fireball at us. I turned the ship just in time to avoid it. I made for a set of towers and flew between them. Good thing I was picking up on how to fly this thing otherwise this will be a really short trip. “Go, go, go!” Twilight yelled as Shar’drel started gaining on us. “Move to the le-no right!” “Twilight, I love you...” I turned to her. “But will you just let me drive!” “Guys!” Rainbow called. “Down on the bridge there!” All of us looked to see Spike running away from a group of changelings. He turned and fired a fireball at one as he stood on a bridge. It was pretty high up from the ground, he must’ve gotten lost in the chaos. “Spike!” Twilight called to get his attention. “Twilight!” Spike yelled. “Down here!” Before anything else could be said Rarity grabbed a nearby rope, tied it around herself and to a nearby railing and leaped off. I watched her use the momentum to swing into a changeling about to hit Spike. Rarity once again showed her fighting prowess by bucking a changeling that tried to grab her from behind. Spike looked on in awe for a minute but shook his head and blasted a changeling with a ball of fire. The bridge was clear and Spike went up to Rarity. “I’m glad I found you guys!” “I wasn’t about to leave you behind, my Spikey Wikey,” she said, hugging the dragon to her. Twilight and I couldn’t help but smile wide…but my smile soon faded. I saw a changeling, he was moving towards the couple while they were so enraptured in one another. Wait…a changeling killed Spike in the original history… This was when Spike died! I pulled out blackbird, aimed it at the changeling, and fired once. The bullet missed and the changeling screeched at the couple. Spike put himself in front of Rarity as the changeling lunged at them, fangs bared. Then Twilight leaped off the side of the ship, and slammed into the changeling. She started wailing on the bug. “Don’t you dare touch him! You will never hurt Spike!” When the changeling fell unconscious Twilight breathed a little and looked at Spike. The dragon ran to his mother/sister figure and held her tight. Twilight in turn embraced Spike as Rainbow and I started to pull up Rarity’s rope. Soon Spike, Twilight, and Rarity were all on the Highwind. Spike looked around in wonder. “Cool! I’ve never been on an airship before!” “Still not as cool as real flying,” Rainbow said, landing on the deck. “So what do we do now?” “Princess Luna ordered us to escape,” Twilight explained. “That’s probably why she got us to the ship.” “But where would we run to darling?” Rarity asked frantically. “We run back,” I said, walking to the steering wheel. “Private, are you crazy?!” Twilight screamed, running to me. “Princess Luna ordere-” “I know Twilight,” I said, looking at her. “But I made a promise to look after Luna. I’m not about to abandon a friend to become Changeling bait.” Twilight looked into my eyes, saw the sincerity in them, and nodded. “Alright, but we try to help Princess Celestia and Voidera too.” “That goes without saying,” I said, taking the steering wheel. “Uh, guys!” Rainbow pointed starboard. “Our old friend is back!” All of us looked on Shar’drel flying towards us. My eyes became pinpricks and I yelled, “Full speed ahead!” The thrusters fired and we found ourselves on the run from the dragon again. Spike glared back at Shar’drel. “I thought we beat her!” “Well apparently she’s seeking her revenge darling,” Rarity grumbled, hugging Spike close to her protectively. “I’m not about to let her hurt you again.” “Rarity…” Spike said, holding Rarity as the ship maneuvered around a set of towers. Shar’drel kept close to us and fired a ton of fireballs that luckily didn’t hit due to the small size of our vessel. “She’s gaining on us!” Rainbow cried from above. “Can’t you lose her?” Twilight asked me. “She’s going as fast as she can!” I explained, manuvering the vessel over a mansion where a group of guards were fighting with the swarm. “Guys, look!” Rainbow exclaimed. I looked on and streaks of fire and storm clouds were flying towards Shar’drel. The dragon only had a second to react as Spitfire flew towards her and punched the dragon in the muzzle. The dragon was disoriented as the Wonderbolts flew around her like flies over a corpse. Rainbow landed on deck and whooped, “Aww yeah! The Wonderbolts came to help us!” A wonderbolt landed on the ship’s deck. He was about my age with long blue hair that was streaked back. He lifted his goggles to reveal cheery green eyes. “Hey! Long-time no see Rainbow.” “Soarin!” Rainbow gushed. “Oh my gosh, it’s really you!” “Been a while since the gala,” Soarin said with a smile. “We heard about the attack on Canterlot and thought we’d lend our wings to the fight.” “It’s very welcome Soarin,” Twilight smiled at the pegasus stallion. “We are thankful for the assist.” “We’ll keep this freak off your back,” Soarin said, looking back on his teammates. He then gave me a salute. “Permission to disembark and kick some dragon tail?” I saluted the Wonderbolt. “Permission granted, good luck Soarin.” “Who needs luck?” he quipped, walking to the edge. “All I need is the wind at my back, and my teammates beside me.” With that he leaped off the edge and joined in the fight. “So awesome!” Rainbow gave a fan filly squeal. She then looked at me, “I’ll help them, they can use a flier like me!” She was about to fly out when I realized…Rainbow died around this time… I used my magic to grab Rainbow’s tail. She looked back at me. “What are you doing? I can help them!” “Rainbow we need you for the Elements of Harmony,” I said firmly. “But, I can’t just leave them either!” Rainbow argued, pointing at the flying group. “I know Rainbow,” Twilight said soothingly. “We’ll come back for them once we regroup somewhere else.” Rainbow slowly nodded. “Okay, for you guys I’ll listen.” Twilight and I were out of commission in the original timeline. By us being here we saved Rainbow from death and stopped the painful future that was originally to come. Now, it was time to save Luna… ______________________________________________________ Perspective: Luna I struggled as the Changelings piled on me. I tried to slice them but one of the insects took away my scythe. I was too weak at this point to fight back. My mane almost reverted completely to what it once was. It would take a month to regain the power lost. Right now though, I was practically pinned by these irritable changelings. Chrysalis laughed at my plight. “Oh what’s the matter your highness? Too tired to fight back?” “You wench!” I said, still struggling as the changelings held me down. “If I was at full power I could kill you with a glance!” “Brave words from such a little filly,” Chrysalis mocked. “You never could stack up to your sister. She at least brought a challenge. Why if I wasn’t so stacked up on love she would’ve killed me easily.” “Shut up!” I yelled. “The truth is you knew you had no chance against me,” Chrysalis chuckled. “You are and always will be, second rate. That’s why you teleported your dear elements away. But it’s only a matter of time before my army finds and makes them suffer.” “You will not harm them!” I growled. “And your precious Detective? Don’t worry, I won’t kill him, at least not until you can watch him suffer and die!” She laughed maniacally. Private, my friend… Please be safe, I’d never forgive myself if anything happened to you. Nocturne would never forgive me… BOOM!!! Suddenly the wall got blasted by a powerful explosive that sent the changelings on my back flying. I looked to the hole in the wall and saw Private and his friends on an airship. Good, my teleportation spell worked. The cannon fired again, this time aiming for the changeling queen who barely managed to dodge in time. The cannonball took out the wall behind her. I looked as Private leveled the deck with the hole in the wall. Hmm, it seems he knows how to fly it. I knew she was among his ancestors. It was only natural he would know it because she knew it. But even still, he ignored my orders! “Princess Luna, come on!” Private yelled. “I ordered you all to leave!” I yelled back. “I’m not about to leave a friend behind!” he argued. “I made a promise to a very old friend I would watch over you!” I looked into his grey eyes, and knew that he meant Nocturne. Even in death you watch over me my love, ever loyal indeed my stallion. I walked over to the gaping hole in the wall and hopped onto the deck. Tia was going to be mad once she heard of that. Now…time for…a nap… I collapsed onto the deck and heard voices all around me. I looked up at them, and smiled contently as I drifted off to slumber. I... had... friends… ______________________________________________________ Perspective: Voidera Tia and I leaped back as the battle wore on. We’d been fighting for what felt like hours. I breathed heavily as I looked on Lunard, he might not have shown it but he was just as weary. Tia beside me had suffered some wounds from the fight. Parts of her armor were discarded and her wing was broken from a sword strike. Her right eye also had a cut over it. Alicorn natural healing ability would help her recover her strength in time. As for me, I got a few cuts on my side, along with a nasty bruise on one of my hind legs. I would have to limp through the battle and that is never a good thing. Lunard came at us again, swinging Moonsunder down on Tia. I leapt in the way and blocked it with Elucidator. My blade cracked under the force of the blow. This sword won’t last forever. “Why do you hold back Voidera?” Lunard asked. “I know it is well within your power to defeat me.” “You were the one who always taught me restraint.” I said, grunting from the effort of holding back his blade. My magic was being strained. But I can’t use my full power on Lunard…I couldn’t. “But I also taught you to do what was necessary,” Lunard said. “Had you merely listened to me and did what I asked the cataclysm wouldn’t have happened. The false prophet wouldn’t have activated the spell and wiped the Alicorns from the planet. All you had to do to stop it was sacrifice the mongrels to my spell and all would have been saved.” “What was worth saving?” I snarled, glaring at him “A society that stagnated to the point when it would sacrifice it’s own children just to feel better?” “They are not Alicorn children; they are mongrels responsible for the destruction of our very way of life!” Lunard roared at me. “Maybe your way of life,” I said, grinning. “But it was never my way of life. You forget, I am a mongrel myself.” “Stop this pointless fighting Voidera,” Lunard chided, leering at me. “I know why you hold back, it is because you can’t bring yourself to kill me. Just like fifteen hundred years ago when you and I faced each other. You did not kill me, instead you sealed me away by tricking Discord.” I kept holding Moonsunder back as Lunard continued. “I know you; I know you have enough magical power within you to level this entire city.” Lunard’s voice was cold and calculating. “Yet you refuse to use it here, you can easily defeat me if you used your power. Yet you won’t, it’s not just because you hold useless sentiment towards me. It’s because you want to serve as a distraction. You wish to do it so that mongrel can escape.” “Private has nothing to do with this!” I roared, my eyes flashing. “Oh, has the mighty dragon gone soft?” Lunard mocked and then glared at me. “You know full well and why I hunt him! That mongrel holds dark magic within him! He should’ve been put down as a child before the taint could grow!” I gave him a long look and frowned. “He didn’t kill Solara…” Lunard’s eyes flashed with fury and he brought his blade up and slammed it down on mine. At that point the blade completely severed and I fell back as he began swinging madly at me. I can’t let him take his revenge out on Private! I have to give them enough time! I have…to use…this magic… My eyes glowed red as well as my horn. I crouched down and felt my body heal from it’s wounds. I roared as I felt claws come out of my hooves, destroying the white shoes I once had. I felt my fangs and teeth become larger and more deadly looking. I was about to unleash the fury on Lunard…. I flew at him with blinding speed and clawed at Lunard. He blocked the attack with Moonsunder, but claw marks left themselves on the blade. I roared and tried to skewer him with my horn. He yelled in pain as my horn pierced his armor and hit his shoulder. His own horn glowed blue and he fired a bolt of magic that hit me. I flew back and opened my mouth to unleash a torrent of flame at him. Lunard threw up a shield spell to protect from it. I then zoomed towards him and slammed my hind hooves into his armor, denting it and sending him flying to the wall. Lunard stood after recovering from the blow. I charged at him again, but this time Lunard was prepared. He lowered himself, and fired a beam of blue magic at me that sent me flying. I felt…the power…fade from me…as I lay on the ground. I used too much magic already, had I let it continue…nothing would’ve have stopped me from destroying everything. I felt my claws return into my hooves and my fangs return to normal. My fury form could only last for so long before I gave into my instinct to destroy everything. I hoped I bought them enough time. Lunard walked to me, and looked down in disappointment. “Still not willing to do what it takes. You always were a weak stallion.” He raised Moonsunder again, but cried out as Tia’s spear pierced his side. I watched my love dodge Lunard’s counter blow. She stood there, panting from the effort of the fight. Lunard looked at her with equal disappointment. “I had hoped I raised you better than this, Celestia.” “The father I knew would never call Voidera weak!” Celestia cried, glaring at Lunard. “Nor would he do anything like this! Voidera was practically a son to you! You raised and cared for him in that tower as your own! Does that mean nothing to you?!” “I know your feelings for him Celestia,” Lunard said. “You betrayed me by those feelings.” “I love him father!” Celestia cried. “There’s nothing that will ever change that! Fifteen hundred years I waited for him and never took another lover! I will fight for him with every fiber of my being because of that love!” Lunard looked at her for a long time, and then said, “You are truly like your mother. But you are also more like me then you realize.” “I’m like the old you,” Celestia said somberly. “Before mother’s death, you were a kind king who cared for the people. You may have been stoic and cold but you always made time for me and Luna. You taught me everything I know about being a ruler. But you also taught me a queen should have a heart and a head. Voidera, is my heart, as mother was yours.” Lunard looked down, I could see he was remembering Solara. The mare he loved, the mare he cherished above everything in the world. Is this why he’s hunting Private? Because he blames the magic within my student somehow? He then looked at Celestia and scowled, “You however, were a disobedient daughter who refused to follow my commands. Had you simply submitted to Onyx and became a proper ruler we would have avoided the nonsense of you trying to save the mongrels. Now I return to find you have a whole kingdom of them. A mockery of what the Alicorns once were.” “I chose to do what was right!” “You chose to betray me!” “You aren’t my father, the stallion standing before me is somepony else!” Celestia screamed. “I want my old father back! The stallion who taught me everything! The stallion whom I respected and idolized! You are just a tyrant waiting to happen!” “I will grant you this only because you are my daughter,” Lunard replied. “Surrender now and I will spare you and Voidera’s lives.” “I refuse to bow to you! You are in my kingdom...” She brandished her spear. “Now, I think you’ve overstayed your welcome.” “Poor choice…” His horn glowed and Tia’s spear hit her upside the head. I cried out as Tia was soon thrown against a pillar. She crashed into it hard and Lunard held her by the throat in his magic. “Leave her alone Lunard!” I shouted, trying to get up. “Don’t hurt her!” “I have had enough of your pathetic romance,” Lunard growled, and then grabbed me in his magic. “Now, I shall do what I should have done fifteen hundred years ago.” Was this…it? Had I failed…? Faust, forgive me… BOOM!!! A cannon ball suddenly blew threw a stain glass window and hit the floor in front of Lunard. The force sent the surprised Alicorn back and freed Tia and I from his magic. I looked on, there was Private on an airship, along with the rest of the elements and Luna. Celestia looked on and shook her head. “She’s as stubborn as I am sometimes.” I ran to Tia and used our magic to teleport us both onto the ship. I collapsed on the deck as the ship flew away. Hopefully we could get away in time. Faust, thank you for saving us as you saved Tia fifteen hundred years ago. I felt the airship’s engines roar to life and we flew away from the fighting. Hopefully, we bought enough time for the Crystal Empire’s aid. If not, Equestria would be doomed… Chapter 3 "The Calm before the Storm"Chapter 3 “The Calm before the Storm” Perspective: Private Eye Celestia stirred in her sleep as we all stood around her in the cabin of the airship. The three Alicorns took up quite a bit of space down below but we managed to get them all at least comfortable. Twilight smiled as her mentor became awake. “Thank goodness you’re okay!” “Twilight?” Celestia whispered, lifting her head. “Everypony? What are you all doing here? I told you all specifically to leave Canterlot!” “We kind of did Princess”, Rainbow said. “Only, we kind of took a couple of passengers. Royal passengers.” Celestia just sighed and looked over at Luna. Her sister gave her a look of “Don’t look at me, it was their idea”. Celestia then looked back over at us. “I am grateful for your aid, it will take us time to completely revitalize our powers. Where is Voidera?” She asked, trying to get up. “Here, my love,” Voidera said gently, reaching his hoof over to touch hers. Celestia smiled at him, and then looked sternly at us. “Although I cannot condone with you all saving me when I ordered you to run, I do appreciate it,” She smiled. “Thank you, for saving us.” “No problem Princess,” Applejack replied. “You just rest now, we’ll come up with a plan fer later.” Celestia nodded, and laid back before suddenly looking at me. Her eyes seemed…almost in a trance. “Hope lies in the palace of old.” “Princess Celestia?” Twilight asked, looking concerned. Celestia blinked and shook her head. “Forgive me, I lost myself for a moment. We will rest and wait for Cadence and Shining Armor to bring those reinforcements. Until then, remain on your guard.” We all nodded and left the Alicorns to rest. Rainbow hovered above us and asked, “So where do we go now?” “Hope lies in the palace of old? What could it mean?” Twilight wondered aloud. I had an idea of what it meant. But, now was not the time to dwell on it. “We’ll take the princesses and Voidera to Ponyville,” I said firmly. “It’s remote enough that Lunard would not suspect it. After all, what noble prisoner in Canterlot would care about Hicksville?” “But what if Lunard does find us?” AJ spoke up. “He’ll just be right there to plow through our families tah get to the princesses.” “Yeah! We can’t just let that meanie pants stomp our town!” Pinkie shouted. “Most of Chrysalis’ swarm is here,” I pointed out. “We can at least hide the princesses in Ponyville until Shining Armor brings the reinforcements. Then we can take down Lunard and win back Canterlot.” “I just hope the Wonderbolts are okay,” Rainbow frowned, looking back at Canterlot. “They’ll be fine Rainbow dear,” Rarity said assuredly. “They’ve been through more scraps then we have.” I walked up to the wheel and gently began guiding the ship towards home. Twilight came to stand beside me. “You know Lunard will come to Ponyville, he isn’t stupid.” “He won’t come to Ponyville,” I said firmly. “He’ll follow me.” “But, aren’t you heading to Ponyville too?” Twilight asked, narrowing her eyes. “I am,” was all I said. “Private don’t tell me you’re planning on doing something stupid!” Twilight yelled, seeing right through me. “Twilight, it’s for the best,” I replied, knowing that she knew what I was thinking. “Don’t you remember every time you try and be like this?!” she argued. I yelled at her in turn, “It’s better this way and you know it! I’m just trying to keep everypony safe!” “By putting yourself on the chopping block?!” She screamed, a tear falling from her eye. “Do you ever think when you do that?” I blinked at her outburst. “Do you ever think that maybe somepony would be worried sick if you died? Did you ever think that somepony who loves you more than anything would never want to love again? Do you ever think about how anypony else feels when you play martyr?!” “Twi,” I whispered, trying to salvage the conversation. “Forget it!” she shouted, stomping off angrily. You went and did it again Private. You got her mad at you because you wouldn’t listen. Some coltfriend I turned out to be… “Hey Private!” Pinkie said cheerily, appearing beside me. “What Pinkie?” I asked, turning my attention to the pink pony. “Well, we’re just about to hit Ponyville,” she pointed out, but then started rubbing her hooves. “But, we got some good news and bad news.” That’s just great. “What’s the bad news?” I asked. “Our engine is out of gas, may have taken some hits from the fighting, and we’ll probably crash land in about two minutes” “What’s the good news?!” I asked incredulously. “I found a quarter!” She cheered, holding up the coin. I would say Celestia help us, but she’s resting right now. I don’t think she would be after we crash into Town hall though… ________________________________________________________ Luckily nopony was hurt. We just ended up crashing the Highwind into the town hall and passed through a window into it. Nopony was inside so we managed to avoid that fiasco. However, what we couldn’t avoid was backlash from the Mayor. “This town hall is one of the most important buildings in Ponyville,” She lectured to me and Twilight. “We can’t have ponies destroying it whenever they want.” “Miss Mayor” Twilight started. “We need to gather everypony in town, it’s an emergency!” “What could be more important than our town hall getting des-” “Mayor, please.” All three of us looked on as Celestia was led gently out of the Highwind, she was still bandaged up from the fighting. “Oh my stars!” the Mayor exclaimed in shock. “I had heard the fighting was intense at Canterlot, but I never imagined I’d ever see you in such a state, your highness.” “Forgive me,” Celestia said weakly, as she was supported by Rainbow and AJ. “I could not stop Lunard. His army is mostly concentrated at Canterlot at the moment. Sadly neither I, my love, nor my sister are in any condition to battle.” “This is terrible news!” the Mayor panicked, reeling from the shock of the situation. “It gets worse,” Twilight said gravely. “Look, we need to gather everypony in town. This is important.” The Mayor nodded and said, “We should get our princesses to the hospital.” “No,” Celestia said stubbornly, shaking her head. “I won’t endanger the hospital staff.” “Princess Celestia, with all due respect,” Twilight started, looking on at her mentor. “You are in no condition to fight. You are also in no condition to handle command. Everypony here would fight and die for you because we are your subjects. But you forget now I’m still technically a princess. So I implore you to receive the aid this town can provide!” Celestia slowly smiled. Twilight looked taken aback. “Um, sorry, did I do something wrong?” “Not at all,” Celestia smiled, and looked at the Mayor. “I will receive your medical aid, but bring your medical staff here, in the basement to avoid any patients at the hospital getting hurt.” “Yes your highness!” the Mayor saluted, and took to a run outside to perform her task. Twilight looked at me. “Just what are we gonna tell the town?” “Just that somepony is going to try and take their home,” I explained. “That’s all we can hope for.” Twilight looked down. “I guess, this makes me acting Princess of Equestria.” I smiled and lifted her head with a hoof. “If anypony can pull this off, it’s you Twilight.” “I only hope I can be what Equestria needs right now,” Twilight said, smiling at me. “But, I’m glad to have my best friend here.” _______________________________________________________ Perspective: Lunard I stood on the balcony as the battle raged on around me. This city, a mere mockery of what the Alicorns once built, was now facing judgment. Celestia’s soldiers fought valiantly, she’d done well to inspire loyalty in them. But it won’t be long before she too comes to the light. I heard a faint buzzing and turned to see Chrysalis coming forward. She looked agitated. “Those foul cheating ponies, calling forth a blasted airship right when I had Luna!” I gave her a gold stare. “So, you failed to secure them, then it is your fault that Voidera and Celestia had aid to escape.” I pointed Moonsunder at her neck. “Choose your next words carefully insect, lest they be your last” She gulped and said, “Milord, forgive my crudeness. I still have my army that will hunt them down.” “Your army should contend with the reinforcements Celestia no doubt sent for,” I said, looking at her. “Where did they fly to?” “One of our spies informed us that the ship landed in Ponyville,” she answered. “It’s a small and insignificant mountain village a few hours from here.” “Very significant in this case,” I replied. “For the tiniest stone can cause a rockslide when removed.” “You are not thinking of pursuing her, are you? We have her Canterlot, we will soon have all of Equestria!” She exclaimed. “Do not question me!” I yelled, slapping her with a hoof, causing the creature to fall on the ground. I glared at her soldiers, daring them to try and fight me. They were smart not to interfere. “Forgive me my master,” Chrysalis whimpered, wiping green blood from her mouth. “When I found you, you were half starved and still leeching off love, so know your place before me. When I give you an order I expect you to obey lest you end up like that again” I reminded her coldly. “Send a detachment of your troops to Ponyville. Canterlot is of no consequence to me. I simply desire the taint to be destroyed.” “Then we will rip the entire town apart and bring Private Eye before you. I will not forget the debt I owe you for freeing me of love,” She vowed, bowing. “Good…” I turned back towards the window. “See that you do so, and if you do not bring him to me soon, I will come looking…” I looked out the window as she buzzed away. Her soldiers followed suit. So, you plan to send your subjects against mine Celestia? Let us see if you have learned that none can stand against me and live. ___________________________________________________________ Perspective: Private Eye I stood beside Twilight along with the other Elements of Harmony as the whole town gathered in front of Town Hall. Twilight was standing on a podium, a microphone in front of her. She cleared her throat and announced, “Everypony, I’m sure you are all wondering exactly what is going on.” There were murmurs of agreement in the crowd. “The fact of the matter is Chrysalis has launched a second invasion of Canterlot, this time her changelings aren’t affected by love. Only fear.” Twilight’s voice was firm but I knew she was nervous as ever. She had to keep them together lest they panic and the plan doesn’t work. The crowd murmured amongst themselves but Twilight tapped her hoof on the podium to get their attention. “Princesses Celestia and Luna have suffered terrible wounds at the hooves of Chrysalis and Lunard. They have made their intentions perfectly clear they want to destroy every pony in Equestria. I’m sure many of you have seen the news coverage of the events at Canterlot. I can assure you my brother and sister in law will arrive with reinforcements as soon as they can. But, there’s also the possibility that the invaders will send an army here” The crowd was openly conversing with themselves. I overheard many panicking ponies. “They’re coming here?” “They’ll kill us all!” “Should we run?” “Where to? Everfree is just as dangerous!” “I’m not going anywhere my children will be hurt!” I pulled out Blackbird and fired it in the air. That got their attention. I holstered it and declared, “I know you are all worried, and to be honest I am too. But we can’t panic right now! Chrysalis’ army feeds on fear! If we cower like this they’ll only steamroll over us laughing! We can’t cower! We need to fight back!” Twilight smiled at me. I smiled back in turn. Twilight then spoke, “We will be investigating a means to defeat Lunard and his army. Until then, we need everypony here to help in protecting this town. This is a volunteer only basis, nopony is forced to fight. But know this, I have lived in Ponyville for over three years now, it is my home and I will find a way to defend it even if I have to do it myself!” A hush fell over the crowd. I could tell everypony was thinking of whether to step forward or not. Then, I heard a voice shout, “AH WILL!” Big Macintosh pushed his way to the front of the crowd. He stood in an almost inspiring way as he said to Twilight, “Yer highness, ah volunteer mahself to fight fer mah home.” “Are you sure about this Big Mac?” Twilight asked. “Ah am, and everypony here should give it their all too!” he cried, calling out to the crowd. “These ponies have always been there for us when we needed them. Now, we gotta do our part when they need our help! Let’s show dem bugs what real ponies are made of! Are you with me?!” A rallying cheer came from the crowd. I gotta hand it to the guy, Big Mac could get a crowd going when he decided to speak up. I saw Raiden fly out of the crowd. “I’m in!” “The great and-” Trixie was about to begin, but received looks from everypony. “I mean, I shall endeavor to aid whatever I can as well!” Twilight smiled at her student. To which I could have sworn a line of red came over Trixie’s face before she turned away. “Just say the words and I’ll bass cannon them all!” Vinyl shouted. I noticed Octavia standing beside her, she simply looked at me and nodded. For what she may have been involved with in the past, I was glad to have her in the force too. She was a good fighter and knew a thing or two about how to get ponies behind her. “I’m helping too!” Spike declared, coming to stand beside Twilight. “No way I’m letting that jerk Lunard get away with this!” Plenty of others all rallied behind the idea of protecting their town. As the crowd dispersed to make preparations, I walked down with Twilight at my side. Big Mac and Applesnack were standing in front of me. The soldier spoke in his deep bass voice, “It’s not going to be easy, but we’ll round up anypony who can so much as carry a weapon.” Big Mac nodded “We’ll use the catapults we use for Nightmare Night. Plus everypony around here has at least something to defend themselves with.” “Anypony who can’t fight, as well as children, should lock themselves in cellars and barricade it. They are not to leave until the fighting is over,” Twilight told them. Both earth ponies nodded and left to help with preparations. The other elements gathered around me and Twilight. “So what are we going to do?” Rainbow asked. “You all are going to stay here” I said firmly. “Not this horseapple again!” AJ yelled. “Ya know we ain’t gonna have ya fight alone!” “Celestia said ‘hope lies at the palace of old’” I explained. “That can only mean one place, and that’s the Palace of the Princesses.” “You know that means trekking through the Everfree Forest,” Rarity interjected. “Lunard wants me,” I replied. “He’ll only come for me, the town stands more of a fighting chance if Lunard focuses his attentions on the one he wants.” “Not this again Private!” Twilight yelled, glaring at me. “You are not sacrificing yourself!” “I’m just drawing away enough time for the reinforcements to arrive and for the other Alicorns to recover” I said firmly. “It’s better for all that way!” Without another word, I went off into town. I had to get some gear. _____________________________________________________ “You can’t bea serious Private,” Potso said as I pulled my gear out from my closet. My best friend followed me after the rally and after I told him what I had in mind, he wasn’t too happy. “It’s what will keep them all safe” I grunted, loading blackbird and pocketing some extra ammo for her. “Private, mio amico,” Potso frowned. “Do you ever think that maybe we’d all be afraid of losing you? You have an almost suicidal tendency when it comes to these things.” If there were two ponies that could tell what I was really feeling more than anything, it was Potso and Tailspin, Twilight was getting closer every day. My friend went on, “At the very least let your other friends come, they care about you as much as I do Private. If not more so with il tuo amore.” “Potso, I’ll consider it,” I half promised. “But, there’s something I gotta ask you.” “Private, do not make me think of it!” Potso exclaimed, looking at me with serious blue eyes. “Just listen!” I cried. Potso was quiet and nodded slowly. “If, just in case I don’t make it,” I started, packing White Tiger into my trench coat and loading her with some lethal ammo. “I want you to look after Tailspin, make sure he gets to Manehatten and to dad. If he should grow up without me, be there for him please.” Potso looked at me, and knew the gravity of what I’m asking. He nodded again after a minute and said, “Prometto my friend, I will look after him. But please don’t make it happen unnecessarily.” I took Silver Wolf and began sharpening the blade with a whet stone. I knew that Potso would have taken care of him even if I didn’t ask. But, it just felt, necessary to hear my friend make a promise like that. Potso soon left out the door. I then sighed and turned around.“You should be with the other kids.” Tailspin rounded the corner, I know he heard every word. He rolled up to me and I looked at him. I could tell by his blue eyes he was concerned, more so than anypony. “You’re not going to leave me, are you bro?” he asked, trying to keep from choking up. I hated to see him like this. But, at that point I realized… I couldn’t die, I couldn’t just die and leave Tailspin grief stricken over me. I decided, I was still going to go, but…I wasn’t going alone. “I’ll be fine Tailspin,” I told the little colt, rubbing his mane. “I’ll have Twilight and the others with me. All seven elements of harmony will put a stop to this guy once and for all.” Tailspin smiled and said, “I know you can do it. Private, just don’t think you’re alone in this. We’re all putting our hope in this. Even a cripple like me who can’t fight.” I looked at Tailspin and said, “Just, look after the other kids okay? Tell them that the story is only halfway through. Maybe a happy ending will come of this.” “Yeah,” he smiled. “I’ll work on a happily ever after.” I then pulled my little brother to me. He hugged me in turn. “Tailspin, I don’t think I said this enough. But, you are the greatest thing that’s ever happened to me.” “You’re the best brother in the world,” Tailspin choked, hugging tighter. “I hope I never lose you.” …Twilight’s hoping for the same thing … ______________________________________________________ I walked up to the entrance of Everfree and looked behind me. The girls all followed me. I could tell by their faces they were about ready to argue again. “Private,” Rainbow said, flying up to my face. “You are not going to face that jerk alone!” “You’re not going to leave us behind again!” Rarity added. “I um, I forgot what my line was supposed to be, um…” Fluttershy whimpered. “Don’t be...a meanie again?” I smiled and chuckled, “I’m not going to win this argument am I?” “Nope-a-runi!” Pinkie cheered, somehow appearing out of my hat. “You’re an element too Private, and also our very special friend. We’re not going to let you face that meanie pants alone.” Twilight was the last one to walk up. Our eyes met and she told me, “I almost lost you too many times Private, you’re not going alone.” “Then what are you waiting for?” I asked. “Huh?” AJ said confused. “Ah would’ve thought you would put up more of an argument.” “I just,” I walked forward and looked back at them. “Realized I had an awesome group of friends behind my back. So, are you all coming?” They all smiled and looked at each other. “Right behind ya Sugercube!” AJ trotted up. “Aww yeah!” Rainbow whooped, hovering over. “Even if this is scary, I’m still gonna help,” Fluttershy said, prancing over. “We’re right beside you darling through thick and thin,” Rarity added, moving to stand beside me. “Once this is over, I’m throwing us an awesome victory party!” Pinkie exclaimed, now appearing upside down from a tree. Twilight walked up to me, and planted a kiss on my cheek. I blushed a little as she said, “You really have changed Private, for the far better.” I smiled at her, and we ventured forth. The battle for Ponyville will rage…but if hope does lie in the palace of old. Then we will find it, and hopefully turn the tide… Chapter 4 "The Battle of Ponyville Begins"Chapter 4 “The Battle of Ponyville Begins” Perspective: Big Macintosh Everypony was scramblin tah set up defenses. I watched as Caramel and some other earth ponies were setting up the Nightmare Night catapults. Thank goodness it’s summer and there’s plenty of watermelon to use as ammo. Ah looked over at Raiden as he was tapping some buttons on his suit. Ah could never figure out that thingymabob, but I wasn’t about to deny it was useful. Ah just hope he doesn’t get as crazy as last time he used it. Ah looked over and saw Applesnack loading and cleaning rifles, most of them were designed fer shootin Timberwolves or other beasties that tried tah steal crops. But they’d hafta suffice in this case. He set a rifle down and looked at the defenders. He shook his head. “Farmers, bakers, shopkeepers.” He sighed disapprovingly. “These aren’t soldiers, far from it.” Swarm walked up to Applesnack. “Come on, most of these ponies have had to put up with crazy things before.” “Way I see it,” Applesnack started, getting up and walking over to me. “We’ve got a whole army of changelings against a hoof full of villagers. Those aren’t good odds.” “We aren’t gonna turn and run Applesnack!” Ah yelled, giving him a glare that he returned. “We can’t win this and you know it,” Applesnack replied gruffly. “They’re going to die!” “Then Ah’ll die with em!” Ah yelled, which caused everypony to stop what they were doing. I kept mah green eyed glare on Applesnack. Ain’t no way he was jus’ gonna say that! Slowly, he smiled. “All I needed to hear.” “Huh?” Ah asked, feelin mighty confused. Applesnack kept his smile “So, are you going to command me? Your confidence hasn’t wavered has it?” He walked off and went back to his work after that. Ah dun know what AJ sees in this fella. But, he’s been fightin’ a lot longer the Ah have. Somedays Ah wonder just what makes ‘im like this. “I can never read him,” Swarm said, shaking his head. “Usually it’s easy to tell what ponies are feeling for a changeling like me. But, with him I get nothing. It’s like I’m facing a steel wall.” I looked to mah changeling friend and told him, “Gather yer hive quickly and prepare to fight back!” “But how will we tell my hive from Chrysalis’?” Swarm asked. “I’d love to beat the living crap out of her, but I don’t want my own brothers and sisters to get shot.” “Mighty simple,” Ah said with a smile. “Yers can change, they can’t from what AJ told me.” Swarm smiled at me. “I’ll get them then.” “They’re coming!” Ah heard Thunderlane shout. “I just saw them coming! There’s thousands of them!” I looked back at Swarm. “Get yer hive here! On the triple!” Swarm saluted and dived into the earth, digging a mile a minute. Ah looked back as everypony scrambled to their positions. Private, ah hope we can buy ya enough time… _____________________________________________________ Perspective: Discord We’ll isn’t this interesting… Did you plan for this dear Celestia? This is all far from coincidence. I’ll admit I was skeptical at first when you presented Tenacity before me. But, when I he used his full power on me I understood your plan. Do you really think it will be enough? You know that Lunard has far more years under his belt at this sort of thing. But then again, you are blood are you not? Then you had to go and reform me, using dear Fluttershy was predictable, but effective nonetheless. But, I can’t sit by while all the fun is happening. Whatever you plan is Celestia, I want to see it all. After all, I have a score to settle with Lunard. I mean it wouldn’t be much of a party without a little chaos… ___________________________________________________________ Perspective: Queen Chrysalis I stood on a hill looking down at the disgusting town of Ponyville. To think such a small and insignificant village could be so much trouble. I watched as the ponies mounted a pathetic excuse for a defense. These ponies will make a fool out of me for the last time. Once I take their town they’ll be little more than cattle for us to feed upon. Now with dear Cadence and Shining Armor out of the way nothing can stop us! “Your majesty!” One of my brood said, flying over. “What is it?” I groaned. “Why does everypony insist on interrupting my internal monologues?” “We have caught the scent of the traitor,” the drone said. “He must be gathering up the other members that broke from the hive.” “He is of little consequence,” I glowered. “He will be dealt with swiftly, and I will leach the fear from him once I drain his little pink marefriend dry!” I looked at the drone. “Do not waste the effort in looking for him, these wretched townsfolk will fall before he even arrives.” “What will we do with any civilians we find?” The drone asked with a delightfully evil smirk. “The youngest will provide the highest yield, children are so easy to scare. Kill any who fight back.” With that, I screeched and unleashed my army upon the town. Nothing can stop me! See me now! I will do what every villain before could not! I will destroy this pathetic excuse of a town. ____________________________________________________________________ Perspective: Private Eye Walking through Everfree always unnerved me. The place just gave off this strange atmosphere, never mind the weather, here, being about as chaotic as Discord himself. Despite it being early afternoon it was rather dim in the dreary forest. The canopy of leaves and branches did not allow much light in, and even that was dimmed by the time it got to the forest floor. Leaves crunched underhoof, and there were a multitude of unnerving sounds that could be anything. “I really hate it here,” Rainbow commented as we moved along. “This place is just beyond weird, who’s idea was it to build a palace in the middle of this place?” “Apparently Everfree wasn’t always like this,” Twilight said, entering her lecturing tone. “I read in a book that this place used to be green and beautiful.” “Yeah, well Ah think dark, dreary and freaky is more fitting,” AJ grumbled, ducking under a tree branch. “Hey, you know this is kind of neat,” Pinkie said suddenly. “Pinkie, did you miss the last few times we came in here?” Rarity asked our pink friend. “Well, Private wasn’t there the last time,” Pinkie explained. “So, this is kind of his first ever Everfree adventure with us!” She laughed and bounced along. “Just so long as we don’t have to face any scary creatures again,” Fluttershy whimpered, moving closer to the center of the group. “SPEAKING of ‘scary creatures’,” came an all too familiar voice. I looked up at a nearby tree and saw that none other than Discord himself was walking on the bottom of the branch. I immediately tensed up, like Twilight I was extremely skeptical that Discord reformed himself. His part in the conspiracy surrounding my mother’s death had not been forgotten. “Hello, my dear Fluttershy,” Discord, said bowing floridly at her. “Discord!” Fluttershy said with a smile. “What are you doing here?” “Well you know, I heard that some friends of a friend were walking into certain death and I thought...” His smile started to stretch from ear to ear. “Maybe it would be fun to join this ragtag group of do gooders.” “No deal Discord!” I yelled, glaring at the creature. “Well, if it isn’t detective stick in the mud, and his lovely marefriend, princess stick in the mud,” Discord glowered, hovering over to me and Twilight. “You’re not still sore about the whole, trying to kill you thing are you?” “You could say some of us are,” Twilight growled, glaring at him as well. “Among other things.” “Look, about that, I was just doing my part,” Discord said, flying around us. “You see, it was not I specifically who tried to kill your dear mother. Twas somepony else who’s idea it was. I’m sure you are familiar with him.” “What is he talking about?” Twilight asked. “Adamus, my grandfather,” I replied. “He’s your grandfather?!” Rarity exclaimed, shaking her head. “I met him back in Canterlot one time. How could you possibly be related to such a brute?” “I wonder that myself every day,” I sighed. “Well this is depressing,” Discord commented, and then snapped his fingers. Suddenly my hat turned into... ”Have a sombrero!” Pinkie giggled a little at the hat change, that earned her a look from all of us, minus Discord who was laughing his ass off. “Change it back,” I said with a low growl. “Oh, forgot you’re not the fun type,” Discord sighed, changing my hat back. “So, here’s the deal kiddies, Lunard and I have a bit of a history. So that’s why I’m helping you out on this occasion.” “What’s your beef with the guy?” Rainbow asked. “Well, it’s a bit of a long story,” Discord said, “The short version is that his kind have been none too kind to anything that isn’t an alicorn. I wanted them wiped off the map for how they treated me. I...” For the first time I’ve seen sorrow cross over the creature’s eyes. “I do not wish to delve into that, that’s more depressing than anything Private can give out.” “Discord.” Fluttershy flew over to him. “If it’s really that bad you don’t have to tell us.” “I think they’d appreciate context, my one and only friend,” Discord said, his tone showcasing seriousness. “Anyways, Lunard tried to stop my little plan. I convinced a powerful being to curse the Alicorn race. You all are the result of that.” “Say what now?” AJ asked. “Basically the curse made us all into what we are,” Twilight explained. “Unicorns, Earth Pony, Pegasi, all of them were the...” She looked at Discord. “The result of your revenge.” “Give this princess a prize,” Discord said half heartedly. “Lunard did a number on me after that little stunt I pulled. Then Lunard got in a tizzy after some sorcerer killed his mate. Went crazy mad, thought everypony was touched with dark magic. But as an enemy of mine used to say, those that are most corrupted never see themselves as such.” “No wonder he’s after Private,” Fluttershy said. “It’s still no excuse for wanting to kill everypony.” “So, what happened after all that?” Rarity chose to ask. “Well, Lunard thought it would be a glamorous idea to unleash Miasma on the world, thinking it would,” His head suddenly transformed into Lunard and spoke in a satirical tone. “Purify the world and save it!” “So you’re saying that stuff that Luna had in her,” Pinkie remarked, “Is also in Lunard? Causing him to be a meanie pants?” “Oh my dear Pinkie,” Discord said with a smile, “everypony has a dark side, you all know that more than anyone. Miasma just causes one to ignore the consequences” “So that, obviously, it didn’t work,” Twilight deduced. “Thanks to me,’ Discord said, leaning back. “My seal worked to put the miasma away forever so long as my power was active. Unfortunately, it happened to seal dear Voidera in as well as Lunard. Celestia was none too happy about it and,” His skin suddenly became stone and then back. “And when we defeated you,” I said gravely. “Yeah, you got her boyfriend out, but you also got Lunard out. He also had himself a Miasma bath. So, he’s not exactly in the mood to negotiate,” Discord answered. “Ya think?” I grumbled. “I still have cuts from being thrown out of a stain glass window, thank you!” “We need to find the palace of the Princesses,” Twilight said. “We got there the last few times, we can do it again.” “And leave poor little ol’ me behind?” Discord asked, dramatically getting close and giving Twilight puppy dog eyes. Which would have worked if his eyes weren’t yellow with red irises. Fluttershy told him, “You can come with us, we could use all the help we can get.” “What!?” Twilight and I exclaimed. “Well, it sort of makes sense to have him along,” Fluttershy explained. “He doesn’t like Lunard either.” “Enemy of our enemy, who was our enemy, is now our friend?” Rarity asked with a raised eyebrow. “I’m so confused,” Rainbow groaned with a facehoof. “So, without further ado,” Discord summoned hiking gear on himself. “Let’s trek on into this forest of nasties!” Pinkie bounced along after Discord. I gave Fluttershy a look, she returned it with a look of her own that said “I can be just as stubborn as everypony else here, don’t try”. I sighed, this was going to be a long day. ___________________________________________________________________ Perspective: Raiden Bolt It’s chaos, down there. The Earthies are doing their best, but the changelings can fly. And they outnumber them. The barricades are holding, for what they’re worth, simple things of earth and wood they may be, but with the sheer numbers, they’re sure to crumble despite the stakes on the outside claiming many of the drones. Catapults send showers of rocks into the air to pelt the changelings, bringing some more down to earth, but there are still more coming. I flew over the chaos down below and dodged a drone trying to tackle me mid air. I aimed my suits flight stabilizer and blasted him with lighting. This sent him down towards the fighting below. Taste the Raiden Bolt, bastards! Dude, comic book worthy catch phrase right there. I ducked as another drone tried to snap at me. Okay, enough screwing around, time to get to business! I slammed my metal covered hoof into it’s jaw and sent the creature flying downwards. I looked on and saw only more were coming. Swarm, where the hell was that backup? “Sir,” Neko said in my earpiece. “The suit has not been tested fully for combat. I advise caution when using it’s powers. We don’t want another incident.” “Don’t worry, I can keep track of watts,” I said, shooting a bolt of lightning, shocking a pair of changelings. “Raiun was always good at that apparently.” I watched as more and more kept coming, one managed to latch onto me. It bared its fangs at my helmeted face as I tried to shake him off. He tried to find a vulnerable spot to bite into my suit. I struggled and kicked, trying to get this bug off me. Suddenly the changeling was ripped off me, I saw Stormfront and his team were battling the Changelings in the sky. He then punched the changeling in the stomach and threw him down on a nearby roof. Icestorm flew over to me. “If you hadn’t stopped showboating around you could’ve gotten killed.” “Hey, do you guys have a high tech suit?” I asked rhetorically. That earned me a roll of the eyes. “I thought not.” “Less chatting and more beating up!” Firestorm yelled, delivering a swift kick to a changeling’s face. “There be more of ‘em than seagulls after a garbage scow!” Squall cried, dodging a pair of them. This was going to overwhelm us quickly, we needed more... I tapped my earpiece. “Neko, activate Suit Up protocal!” “Sir, are you sure that’s wise, they haven’t even...” “Just try it! They need as much help they can get!” “Launching suits now.” I watched in the distance as sets of armored suits flew towards us. I smiled. “A little present for everypony!” The suits all flew towards a Storm Rider and followed them. One managed to get close enough to Storm Front that it opened up and began putting itself on him. The large pegasus adapted quickly and punched a changeling, his natural strength was enhanced by the suit and sent the bug flying into a group of unsuspecting changelings. More suits landed on each Storm Rider and I was amazed at how they adapted so quickly. I’m guessing they are used to hectic situations like this. The suits helped turn the tide in the battle of the skies, as each Storm Rider put the suits to good use. I saw Icestorm raise her hooves and fire a small blizzard at some, sending the Changeling sickles falling to earth. Never underestimate the power of the suit, baby. I flew over to join the fighting myself. I hope everything’s okay down below. _______________________________________________________ Perspective: Octavia I fired my tommy gun at a bug that tried to corner Caramel during the fighting. While Raiden waged his war in the skies, the streets of Ponyville had turned into an all out brawl. The barricades and catapults only managed to stall the oncoming horde, not stop it. Where did Vinyl run off to? MAXIMUM BASS!!!! Oh there she is... I ran into an alleyway and found several changelings on the ground nearby. Vinyl was standing over them proudly, her bass cannon by her side. “Well, how d’ya like that Octy? Pretty sweet huh?” “Vinyl, only you would find this fun,” I sighed. “Aww, don’t be like that,” she smiled. “I get to be badass too sometimes.” I fired at a Changeling behind her, hitting the bug in the shoulder. “Eyes off my flank and on the enemy, sweetheart.” “Octy watch out!” Vinyl cried, I turned just in time to see a Changeling bearing down on me. I barely had time to react when suddenly a shotgun blast was heard and the bug went flying, bleeding green blood from the terrible wound it sustained. I looked at the shooter and saw Grimwing was standing there. The griffon smirked. “Well, if it isn’t the head of the Val Jean family.” “A pleasure as always, Grimwing,” I smiled. “Dude! That was so awesome!” Vinyl whooped, her eyes were probably glowing under those shades. “Who’s the doll?” Grimwing asked. “A very close friend,” I said. Don’t look at me like that, I’m still trying to figure out how I ended up with her. “Would you two quit the romantic prattle, and get back to fighting the damn insects that are trying to kill the town, please?” Sour Grapes uttered, as she lifted yet another impossibly heavy stone, and sent it flying into the horde. “THANK you.” I nodded and Grimwing and I leaped into the fray, I saw that griffons had joined the fight in the sky. They were small in number, but very effective at killing. I fired another round into a changeling and asked Grimwing, “Some annoying detective rope you into this?” “Yep,” Grimwing grunted, clawing a changeling that was stupid enough to get close to him. “I owe that guy quite a few favors, you as well?” “Let’s just say I owe that annoying detective quite a bit,” I said, tossing aside my empty tommy gun and pulling out my bow sword. I sliced the horn clean off a changeling and delivered a swift kick to his throat. “But let’s just say I’d benefit from a town grateful for my help.” “Doll, this may be the start of a beautiful friendship,” He said, tossing a changeling towards Sour Grapes. Grapes smirked, catching the changeling, and then slingshotting it back into the horde. “Why, Octavia, I’m shocked at you, shocked! You’re throwing over Vinyl for a griffon? And ponies think I’m weird for dating an overlarge pegasus,” Grapes quipped. “My friend, this relationship is strictly buisness,” I grinned, slicing another changeling. “The way it should be,” Grimwing said, blasting a changeling in the face with his shotgun. _______________________________________________________________ Perspective: Tailspin It was dark and cramped, with as little light as we could get away with. We didn’t want to attract the attention of those things. Cheerilee was kind, gently soothing the scared fillies and colts to make sure they didn’t make too much noise. The basement of the school hasn’t been used much, except for storage of supplies, and outdated materials. Some of the boxes of books had been moved to the door, blocking it, but we knew that it was only a matter of time. Dinky looked down. “What’re we gonna do?” “Just wait it out ‘til somepony comes Ah guess,” Applebloom said, just as depressed. “I never imagined the changelings were so mean,” Sweetie Belle went on. “Swarm wasn’t so bad, I guess these aren’t the same.” “Don’t worry guys,” Scootaloo said, trying to sound brave. “Rainbow Dash and the others will find a way to clobber them! Just like last time.” “I’m worried about Fluttershy,” Genny said sadly. Rumble went to hug her gently. I was surprised at how gentle he could be. But, then again today has been full of surprises. I knew Private was with the others and he was going to be fine. But, I was worried about everypony else. Some of them had siblings that were active in the fighting. I had to do something. “Guys,” I spoke up, getting everypony’s attention. “We just gotta have faith.” “Faith?” Diamond Tiara yelled as quietly as she could without getting chastised by Cheerilee. “We’re being attacked by a bunch of roaches and you want us to have faith? I guess pegasi really do keep their heads in the clouds.” “Hey shut up!” Scootaloo cried, coming to my defense. “Scootaloo...” I gave her a look. “Please?” She nodded slowly, not saying anything. “Private and the others are going to find a way,” I said, trying to sound confident for them. “The story is only halfway over. There’s still a chance for a happy ending, right?” Applebloom smiled. “AJ wouldn’t want us wallowin’ in self pity. This is just like at the Mansion, we got each other so we’ll be fine.” “She’s right,” Pip smiled. “We’re not going to give up on those fighting evar!” Dinky smiled at Pip’s courage and nuzzled him. “I’ll be right with you Pip.” Pip blushed in turn, causing us all to laugh a little...but we stopped when we heard something from the stairs... “Little fillies and colts...come out to play...” That was a Changeling... _______________________________________________________ Perspective: Private Eye The gloom only got worse the further one went into the forest. The canopy thickened, and it was practically night inside the deepest parts of the Everfree. Strange plants abounded, everypony recognizing Poison Joke by now, but there were some others that were just... strange. Even a plant that snapped closed on a flying insect. “Are we any closer?” Rainbow asked impatiently. “We haven’t gotten much closer the last twelve times you asked,” Twilight groaned. “Well, so much for the in trek movie,” Discord said, levitating a television he summoned into existence. He then snapped his fingers and caused it to disappear. “I shall go back to being bored.” “We could always play eye spy again,” Pinkie suggested. Discord shook his head. “Doesn't have the same appeal when the options are tree, rock, more trees, giant dragon, and-” “Wait, what did you say?” I asked, stopping. “Tree” Discord said with a shrug. “No that thing about the giant dragon,” I said, looking urgently at him. “Oh, that thing that’s been flying behind us for the last couple of minutes,” Discord answered, pointing behind him. All of us turned around and watched with horror as Shar’drel flew towards us. She must’ve gotten past the fighting somehow! I looked at Discord. “You failed to mention this until now?” “Beautiful Purity was about to have her vampony baby. I wasn’t about to miss that breach of logic,” Discord smiled. Everypony except Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie face hoofed at the same time. Fluttershy out of politeness, and Pinkie couldn’t stop laughing. “We still got a dragon to deal with!” Rainbow cried, pointing. “Oh dear,” Fluttershy squeaked looking up at Shar’drel. “She doesn't look too happy.” “Let me at her Private,” Rarity growled, glaring up at the dragon. “I want to rip the wings right out of her sockets!” “There’s no time for this!” I yelled, shaking my head. Discord became quiet for a moment, and snapped his fingers to summon a dagger. “I’ll make time.” “Discord you can’t be serious!” Fluttershy cried. “I’ve faced dragons before, I can at least stall her,” Discord said, looking back. “But you can’t! You’ll get hurt!” Fluttershy argued, now tearing up. Discord was quiet again, and then said, “I don’t want my only friend getting hurt either...” With that, he flew off towards the dragon. AJ and I grabbed Fluttershy before she could go after him. “Let me go! I have to stop him!” “Fluttershy, you can’t let what he did go to waste!” I yelled, grabbing one of Fluttershy’s legs to help out. Fluttershy looked on the shrinking image of her friend and cried, “DISCORD!!!!!!!” Chapter 5 "Escalation"Chapter 5 “Escalation” Perspective: Private Eye Rarity held a crying Fluttershy for a few minutes. It was a while since Discord went to fight Shar’drel. Fluttershy didn’t take it very well, but I was glad Rarity was here. If there was anypony who could handle Fluttershy when she’s like this, it’s Rarity. “We gotta get moving,” I told them. “We can’t let Discord’s sacrifice go to waste.” They all looked at me, except for Fluttershy who kept crying into Rarity’s shoulder. “I do beg your pardon, Private, but aren’t you being just a bit... well... cold?” Rarity asked. “Discord gave us some time,” I said. “But we don’t know if Lunard will send something else after us.” “He’s right, Rares,” AJ spoke up. “We gotta get movin’, everypony back in town is countin’ on us.” “And how many of you, dare I ask, have had to watch a dear friend go flying off to fight for you, leaving you behind?” Rarity asked, gently supporting the weeping Fluttershy, as we started to move on. Everypony was quiet for a minute, not saying anything. Twilight led the pack, she kept casting glances back at me. Sometimes she would linger, as if she wanted to say something. But, then she’d face forward again and we’d keep moving. Rainbow hovered over to me. “Okay, I’m getting sick of this.” “Sick of what?” I asked my cyan colored friend. “Sick of you two not talking!” Rainbow blurted out, getting in my face. “You and Twilight are like, the super couple. Yet through this whole thing you two haven’t said a word to each other. Then when you do once in a blue moon you guys argue! Will you two jus-” “It’s none of your buisness, Rainbow!” I yelled. Rainbow crossed her forelegs. “Before we even reach the palace you are talking to her, otherwise I’m gonna get AJ’s rope, tie you two to a tree and make you stay there until something is said.” “Feel free, sugarcube,” Applejack said, pulling the lasso out of her saddlebag. “Ah’m might tired of it mahself.” “Now hold on!” Twilight said, turning around. “We have more important things to worry about than this!” “And the lack of harmony between yourself and Private isn’t as important?” Rarity asked. “After all, he is an Element, too. If you two are still at odds, it’s quite possible that the Elements will not work should we need them.” “It’s still something between her and me!” I snorted. “Then it is up to you and Twilight to fix it. And soon, darling,” Rarity said solemnly. “If not for your sakes, for the sake of Equestria.” At Twilight and I’s stubborn expressions, AJ got a look on her face and looked at Rarity. “Rares, they ain’t gonna cave...GRAB EM!!!” Rainbow lived up to her reputation, and quickly grabbed Twilight, and Applejack was just as quick with her lasso. Faster than I would think possible, Twilight and I were tied to a tree, with the others setting up a small camp, just out of sight, but I doubt out of earshot. Pinkie stood in front of me and said, “Now, you two are not getting off that until Private stops being a meanie pants, and Twilight stops being snooty.” “I’m not snooty!” Twilight retorted loudly, struggling with the ropes. “Get us outta here right now!” I yelled. “Our apologies, darlings, but tis for your own good. And the good for Equestria and the Elements of Harmony, of course, but mostly for your good,” Rarity said admonishingly. This, was going to be a very long day... __________________________________________________________________ Perspective: Discord I looked on the dragon as it flew towards me. Hopefully I could keep her busy long enough for the others to get outta here. I dodged and weaved as she snapped her jaws at me. Oh boy, somebody didn’t get their in flight meal. But something was off, I couldn’t quite put my claw on it but there was something wrong with this dragon. I mean, aside from wanting to kill little old me for no good reason. That’s just bad manners. She unleashed a torrent of fire at me that I barely dodged with my tail intact. But wait, wouldn’t my whole body be considered my tail? I mean, I am serpentine sort of. Oh, the pains of being a mixed up creation of alchemy. Alright, now it’s time to stop playing. I turned and snapped my fingers, small firecrackers appeared out of nowhere and hit the dragon right on the kisser. She snarled at me and tried to snap at me again. But, she just snapped at a whoopie cushion I placed where I was. I got a quick laugh out of that. Never gets old, no matter how many centuries. Suddenly the dragon reached one of her claws and grabbed me. She squeezed me tighter than a tube of toothpaste. I looked up at her. “Really, I know I’m a charming individual, but you just aren’t my type honey.” She glared at me, that’s when I noticed her blue markings...oh... Lunard you bastard. “I see he’s done a number on you, what did they call you? Shar’drel?” I asked, teleporting out of her grip. She roared at me, sending me flying several feet away. Somebody give that dragon a breath mint! I raised both of my hands, magic coming from them. Suddenly Shar’drel’s wings began pulling themselves at extremely painful levels. Though, I doubt she was really feeling any of this. Her mind was long gone. Lunard, you never seem to learn do you? You don’t mess with creatures like this... Lest you want a date with a god of chaos. ______________________________________________________________ Perspective: Tailspin “Whatdowedowhatdowedowhatdowedo?” came a frightened voice from among the fillies, bordering on panic. Call me crazy but it sounded like Diamond Tiara. I'd better keep that in mind for later. “We don’ jus’ let that bug come in an’ take us, that’s what we do,” Apple Bloom said determinedly. “There’s lotsa stuff, down here we can use.” With that she began to look around for materials. She came up with a bucket and some other materials. I nodded. “Just like in the mansion, we’ll barricade the door.” “Kids, what are you doing?” Cheerilee asked. “We’re gonna stop him from coming in!” Scootaloo replied determinedly, tossing a board to Rumble. “You can’t risk yourselves!” Cheerilee cried, looking worried. “Better ‘n nuthin!” Apple Bloom replied. “We gotta stop him!” “I just, don’t want to have any of you get hurt,” Cheerilee said, looking guiltily at us. “Then you can help us stop him!” I said, looking at her. “You’re our teacher, you’re not going to let him in!” She slowly nodded and ran to help barricade the door. I heard a loud boom on the other side. I crawled up to the door and we all began pushing against it. “Oh don’t struggle my little fillies and colts,” The changeling glowered on the other side. “We’ll take good care of all of you.” “No way!” Sweetie cried, pushing alongside me. “You all tried to hurt my sister and her friends! You aren’t getting us!” “Dumb brats...” Suddenly the door exploded, a blast of magic must’ve been fired. I fell back to the ground and groaned, I looked up to see the Changeling pressing down on us. Cheerilee stood in front of us. She glared at him. “Step aside, mare, and I won’t kill you in front of your students,” the Changeling said, his horn glowing and his sharp teeth grinning evilly. “These are my students!” Cheerilee cried, “I won’t let you take them! You’ll have to get through me first!” “Yeee HAW!” came Apple Bloom’s shout, as a heavy box suspended from a rope came crashing into the Changeling’s side.He let out a screech as he went sailing into the wall. I saw Rumble and Pipsqueak leap onto the Changeling and began pounding away at him. The Changeling threw them aside, and got up. Scootalooo leaped onto his back and bucked the back of his head. The bug couldn’t reach her. I looked over and saw a hammer. I picked it up in my teeth as the Changeling threw Scootaloo off with his magic. “Hey ugly bugly!” I taunted through my teeth. He looked at me. “I’d say you’re gonna get squashed!” I turned my head and threw the hammer towards him. The hammer hit him right on his horn, breaking it completely. The bug fell into unconsciousness. We all cheered, but I was more concerned about Scootaloo. I crawled over to her, a trickle of blood was coming from her head. “Scootaloo?!” I cried with concern. She blinked open her beautiful violet eyes and groaned, “Hey, anypony get the number of that cart? Oh, hi Tailspin, when did you get brothers...?” Even when dizzy as heck she still found a way to make me smile. “C’mon, everypony,” Apple Bloom commanded. “We need ta get the door back up, an’ fix up some nasty surprises fer any more bugs that try an’ get us.” “Like us?” We all looked up and saw that a pair of changelings have come through the door. Aww nuts... One tried to grab Sweetie Belle, when suddenly he was grabbed by magic and slammed down onto the ground. The other tried to retaliate, but a white blur grabbed the changeling from behind...and a sword stabbed through him... Covered in sweat, blood both red and green, and clad in violet armor, was Twilight’s brother Shining Armor. He let the changeling down as Sweetie bucked the other one in the face. Cheerilee smiled, “Thank you so much.” The unicorn smiled, sheathing the sword he was using. “No problem, now let’s get you kids to a better spot. We’re gonna make sure you all get to the town hall basement safely. This place is too far behind enemy lines now.” So, if Private marries Twilight, I get this guy as a brother in law? SO AWESOME!!! _____________________________________________________ Perspective: Swarm We arrived to a war zone. Pony and altered changeling fought each other to the death. One to save their home, the other for the sake of our former queen, who had been changed so much, she was unrecognizable. Even if we didn’t change, the differences were obvious. Where they were once green, these altered changelings were marked with blue. Even so, we did change to the forms of ponies, and joined the fray. Despite our differences, these ponies had accepted us, and had formed a symbiotic relationship with us. It was the least we could do. Buildings had been destroyed in the fighting, and the streets had been stained with both pony and changeling blood, smears of both red and green painted the scene in grisly colors. We wanted to change how they saw us. We weren’t monsters anymore. We didn’t want to be seen as such. I wanted to make sure that every changeling in my hive fought for that future. Where one day ponies and changelings can live side by side. Not one leeching off the other, but as true friends. I will fight for that future today! I knocked a changeling off Big Mac. The workhorse smiled at me. “Bout time ya showed up.” “Took me awhile to find everybody,” I replied, firing a bolt of magic at an oncoming altered changeling. “Thanks, Swarm!” Big Mac yelled, sending another one flying with a swift buck. “Just like the Snowlands!” “Except this time no strength enhancers,” I smiled as I kicked another one in the face, knocking him out cold. “Who needs em?” he grinned, lifting a changeling by the tail, swinging him around, and throwing him into a group of changelings about to attack Lyra and Bon Bon. I was about to continue, when I felt a burst of green magic hit me in the chest. I went flying into a nearby wall and lost my disguise. I looked up, right into the eyes of Chrysalis. “Well well. Looks like I have found the little traitor,” Chrysalis glowered, as she used a pain spell to lash at me, making me feel like I was being dipped in acid. “I will show you the price of treachery, and the price of your worthless sentimentality!” I growled despite the pain, “I smell no love from you, how are you living?” Chrysalis laughed cruelly. “We feed on fear, and it is a most delicious feast. Despair adds such a wonderful spice to the dish,” she grinned. “These poor fools feed us even as they fight, they fear for their lives, and despair of winning.” I fired a spell at her, hitting her in the chest, it knocked her back. “You’ll never understand. No queen should rule like this. You are no longer a changeling! You’re a worthless shell of what being a true changeling is all about! It’s not to leech and soak, but to receive a gift. I found that gift in Pinkie Pie, I will never let you take it from these ponies!” “WHO ARE YOU TO TELL ME WHAT A TRUE CHANGELING IS?!” Chrysalis roared lashing me with pain again. “You betrayed your hive, betrayed your queen, all for the sympathy of a foolish party pony! No pony could ever truly love a changeling!” I stood, and growled, “You want to know who I am...? I. Am. Swarm. You are no longer my queen, the only being I will ever belong to is Pinkie Pie! Because I love her more then anything in this world! Now...you will never know what it feels like ever again. I pity you...” She then summoned a cruel looking dagger in her magic. “I don’t want you pity! I want your death!!!” She was about to plunge the dagger into me... Pinkie...I’m sor- Clang!!! There was somepony standing between Chrysalis and me. A pink alicorn, clad in crystal like armor and wielding a rapier in her magic. Princess Cadence? She...saved me? “So, this is what you do when your subjects don’t agree with you, old hag? No wonder you can’t get a date,” The princess said, keeping the dagger from reaching me with her sword. “You!” Chrysalis screeched and swung her dagger again, Cadence parried it expertly. Seems her love has taught her a few things about swordplay. “I should’ve just killed you in those caves!” “You and I have a score to settle!” Cadence grunted, keeping the dagger at bay. “Nopony tries to take Shining Armor and gets away with it!” “This love is really getting annoying!” Chrysalis pushed Cadence away and the two creatures began dueling one another. Another changeling tried to attack Cadence from behind. But before I could warn the princess, the changeling froze in mid air. I looked over, and saw... “Princess Snowflake!” I cried, seeing the white alicorn clad in what looked like a military uniform. The princess of the Snowlands smiled at me. “It is good to see you again, Swarm, now it is my turn to save you!” I looked up at the skies, and saw dozens of airships in the sky. They bore symbols of the Crystal Empire and the Snowlands. The ships landed and the soldiers ran out to join the fighting. The Crystal Empire brought melee fighters clad in their crystal armor and wielding blades made from the same substance. I saw soldiers belonging to the Snowlands firing their battle saddles and rifles at any Changeling that got near the Crystal ponies. The tide has turned in this war! _______________________________________________________________________ Perspective: Private Eye They’re not speaking to us. They’re over, beyond the bushes, giving us some semblance of privacy, but they’re not talking to us. Apparently Twilight and I are supposed to talk to each other, and they’re not risking either one of us convincing them to let us go.I fought with the ropes a little, but they gave nothing. I seriously doubt that I could untie these with my magic. AJ’s knots are known to be so tough not even the most powerful of unicorn’s magic could break them. Twilight however, didn’t take the hint of why they weren’t talking to us. “Guys! This isn’t funny! Untie us right now!” “Twi, they aren’t going to let us go,” I said, squirming even more. “Well, I hope you’re ready to apologize then,” Twilight scolded, sticking her nose in the air. “Me?” I said incredulously. “You’re the one who wasn’t talking to me!” “You’re the one who’s all about focusing on a mission!” Twilight retorted. Our argument escalated from there. We started arguing about everything. And I mean everything. “Did anypony tell you that you kick in your sleep?” Twilight cried. “I swear you almost bucked me off whenever we cuddled!” “Well you groan and toss around!” I yelled back. “It’s like wrangling a fish!” “And another thing you never put the books back after you’re done! You always leave them wide open!” “That’s so I can come back to it!” “There’s such a thing as a bookmark!” It only got worse from there. “You are just the most stubborn stallion I’ve ever met!” Twilight cried. “You are just a snotty noble waiting to happen Princess!” “I can’t believe you’d think I’d become that!” “Well excuse me Princess!” “I have a name! You were more than happy to use it before!” “That was before you sprouted wings!” “Why do you hate me being an Alicorn so much anyway!?” “Because then I’m nothing!” That stopped our argument right there. We silently sat there. Both of us looked down, for about a minute nothing was said. Then Twilight asked, “Private, can we talk?” “We’ve been doing that for the past few minutes,” I answered. “No, I said talk, not scream at each other,” Twilight groaned. She then looked at me. “I just, want to talk to you about it. I’m tired of this.” I sighed. “So am I.” “Will you just tell me why you don’t like me being a princess?” Twilight asked. I finally came out with it, what I was holding back for so long. “I was afraid.” “Of what exactly?” Twilight asked, her voice gentle. “Twilight, just look at me. I’m a worthless sorcerer, a poor detective with no real future. What could I possibly offer a princess?” I admitted. “Private.” Twilight soothed, scooting in her bindings so she was closer to me. “I, you know I’d never leave you for that. I love you more than anything! You’re strong! Incredibly smart and brave, and the greatest friend I’ve ever have. I’d never trade the year we spent together for anything!” “But, how many years?” I asked. “What?” Twilight said, a little confused. “Twi, I’m not going to live forever. If you accept immortality I’ll still age. I’ll grow old while you’ll remain young forever. You would also suffer a great amount of grief should I die...let’s just say I have...seen it very clearly.” Twilight started crying. I looked over at her, and saw the tears in her eyes. She shook her head. “Private, I had no idea!” “Twi, please don’t cry...” I said, pressing my muzzle to hers. “I should’ve guessed, I should’ve known!” She said, pressing her muzzle deeper into me. “I was so caught up in being what Equestria needs I didn’t think about how you felt! I thought, I thought you just didn’t want me to succeed. That you just stomped out what I achieved...” “Twi, for that I’m sorry,” I apologized, touching her horn with mine. “I was the idiot who stomped all over that. You did something that no unicorn has done in centuries. I, I should’ve been proud of you. But I was too scared and arrogant to admit how I felt.” “Do you, still love me?” She asked, gazing into my eyes. I pressed my lips to hers, and poured all the love I felt for her. Twilight kissed me back with equal fervor. I felt the love I turned away from earlier come flooding back. I don’t care if she’s immortal! I don’t care that she’s a princess now! I love Twilight with all my heart! I’ll never turn away from her again! Our kiss broke and I felt tears falling from my own eyes. “I love you, Twilight, I never stopped loving you.” “Private, I’m not going to become immortal,” she said, a wide smile on her face. “I’d rather live for a little while with you, than a millennia without you.” “Twilight, if these ropes weren’t holding us back I’d kiss you to death,” I smiled. “You don’t wanna do that, silly willy,” Pinkie said with a huge grin on her mug. “Well, ain’t ya a sweetheart?” AJ said, as the others came out from their hiding spot. “How long were you all listening?!” Twilight yelled as both of our faces turned scarlet. “Long enough to know you two are finally back,” Rainbow grinned. Fluttershy then walked up to us. She smiled and said. “I’m happy for you two, don’t ever fight like that again.” “We won’t Fluttershy.” I promised, nuzzling Twilight. Twilight returned my nuzzle, and then said, “Would somepony untie us so I can kiss this stallion better?” “Have at ‘im, Twi,” laughed AJ as she went to untie us. Twilight subsequently glomped me and kissed me lovingly. I held her in my forelegs, all the mares were giggling around us, but I barely heard them. I had Twilight back, and I was the happiest stallion in the world. Now, to make sure there is a world for us to live in... Chapter 6 "Fall of Tenacity"Chapter 6 “The Fall of Tenacity” Perspective: Private Eye Twilight and I walked side by side as our group walked through the forest. There wasn’t anything awkward about us walking now that Twilight and I got our feelings out. Instead, I found myself accidentally-on-purposely bumping into her. She would smile and bump into me, we would laugh, look into each other’s eyes and just go on. It just felt great that despite all that’s happening, we managed to get how we felt for one another fixed. “Uggh!” Rainbow groaned as she hovered behind us. “Watching you two is like watching all the sappiest parts of romance movies all at once!” “Now Rainbow Dash,” Rarity interjected. “Those two deserve a little of that after getting back together.” “Still, if we weren’t trying to stop Lunard, I’d suggest they just get a room already,” Rainbow huffed. “Yer just wishin yer flashy rockstar coltfriend would be like that,” AJ smirked. “Nu-uh!” Rainbow pouted, crossing her forelegs. “Raiden doesn't have to be all gushy and stuff.” “Uh guys,” Twilight said, looking back. “We can hear you.” “Oh don’t mind us,” Pinkie smiled. “We’re just doing what good friends do and talking about your romancing and kissy wissys behind your backs!” “Sometimes it is rather fun to be the spectator, darling,” Rarity observed. “Especially when you two are quite happy.” Twilight and I rolled our eyes and nuzzled each other just to tick Rainbow off. We then ventured deeper into the forest. There we found a river in our path. Rainbow tilted her head. “Hey, we’ve been here before haven’t we?” “Alas, that wonderfully stylish serpent isn’t here to help us across, however,” Rarity added with a sigh. “Quite the gentleman, if I recall.” “Oh, what a world to see you all again!” A rather, cheery sounding voice called. Before my eyes a large sea serpent came out of the river. He had violet scales and a blond pompadour on his head, followed by a very stylish mustache on his muzzle. “Oh, Darling! You are here! How wonderful!” “Who’s this guy?” I asked, looking at the others. “Oh he was here last time we came through,” Twilight explained. “Back years ago when we all first met.” “And I have not forgotten the generosity shown to me by miss Rarity, here,” the sea serpent said happily. Then he turned to me. “Who are you, if I may be so brash? I most certainly don’t remember you being here last time.” “Private Eye, I’m an element too.” I said, nodding. “What a world!” he cried, rather dramatically. “Now, do, please, allow me to aid in your crossing this river. I never forget my friends! Especially ones as fabulous as you all!” With that, he moved his long body so that a bridge formed. The ones who couldn’t fly began crossing along it. Twilight and I were the last. I smiled and bowed. “After you, milady.” She giggled a little and curtsied. “Always a pleasure dear sir.” “Uggh!” Rainbow groaned. “This is going to be a long trip.” The serpent gasped. “Oh! Do I detect romance in the air?” “Yes, darling, you do,” Rarity said beaming. “Aren’t they just the cutest couple?” Twilight and I blushed a little at the comment. “Oh it’s so trueeeee!” the serpent gushed. AJ just chuckled. “Ah always pegged them as gettin’ close, ever since they walked through mah front door.” “So!” Pinkie suddenly got in my face. “When are you and Twilight gonna get busy?” “PINKIE!!!” both Twilight and I shouted at the pink pony. The party animal just hopped along, giggling despite our embarrassment. I looked over at Twilight as we walked. Everything just felt, right at this point in time. Suddenly I felt like I did when our relationship hit it’s stride. I was happy again, happier than I’d ever been. ______________________________________________________________ Perspective: Cadence The battle for Ponyville raged around me, as I clashed with Chrysalis, my rapier flashing in the weak sunlight as I fought the Changeling Queen. I had an old score to settle, and I wasn’t about to let her get her way twice! She laughed as her dagger clashed with my blade. “Bah! You think you can defeat me? You could barely protect yourself the last time we faced each other!” “This time it’s just you and me, you bitch!” I yelled at her. “Your army can’t save you now! They’re too busy! I’ll make you pay for every ounce of love you stole!” “Still sore about your hubby abandoning you for me?” she mocked as she swung her dagger. She managed to cut off a bit of my mane, but she didn’t draw blood. “You tricked him!” I cried, swinging my blade and drawing blood from her chest. “Do you want to hear what he said to me?” she sneered. “All those wonderful things he said to me before the wedding? How much he loved and cherished you...?” She licked her lips. “It was...delicious.” “Love isn’t food you monster!” I screamed, but she then managed to deliver a hard kick to my chest. The force sent me flying back. I can’t believe I got so careless. I fell for such an obvious trick. She knows exactly how to get under my skin. Shining Armor, MY Shining Armor. How could this witch ever think of touching him! Let alone using him to milk love for herself! I... Is it possible, for a Princess of Love to feel hate? I crashed into the earth, my sword falling out of my magic. I groaned in pain, and looked up as the witch stood over me. “What did Shining Armor ever see in you anyway? You’re hardly a princess worthy of anypony’s time. Weak, pathetic, and so believing in the good in ponies. You’re nothing more than a pampered child.” She punched me right in the face before I could get back on my hooves. I fell down to the ground. I wasn’t going to give into her. I couldn’t let her win. I glared at her, blood falling from my lip. “You’ll, never understand. Because you gave up the emotion of love. Now you’ll never understand...” I levitated my blade. “Why I fight now!” I plunged it into her side. She screeched in pain and I fired a bolt of magic into her chest. It sent her back several feet into a wall. She glared at me as she recovered. “I see the princess shoes are off.” Suddenly I was grabbed by a pair of Changelings. I struggled in their grip as Chrysalis came with her dagger and my sword in her magic. I glared at her. “Even if you take me down, your army is finished! You know that!” “A small price,” she said with an evil smirk. “My army is infinite! Your ponies are only seeing a small portion of it! My army will crush this pathetic excuse for a town! I will have ponies under my hoof once an-” A white blur hit her in the side, causing her weapons to fall from her magic. I took this opportunity and zapped the changelings holding me with a stun spell. I looked over and saw Shining Armor was standing there, clad in his armor, with a sword in his magic and a shield on his left foreleg. His blue eyes held a fury I’ve rarely seen in the stallion. But, at this point I’m glad for it. “You. Stay. The hell. away. From my. WIFE!!!” Shining roared, swinging his blade and cutting Chrysalis across the cheek. The Changeling queen screamed and I went to retrieve my Rapier. I looked at my husband, and he smiled at me. “I’m glad you’re okay, honey.” I smiled in return. “Be careful captain, or you might get another foal after this.” He blushed in that cute way he always does when I tease him. “Later, lover, we’ve got a battle to win, in the meantime,” I said nodding to the Changelings. Shining Armor crouched into a fighting stance. “Let’s make sure they don’t interrupt anypony’s ceremony again.” “You two again!” Chrysalis bellowed, sounding frustrated. “What can I say?” I smirked. “We make a great team.” “I will do what I should have done ages ago!” the witch cried as her changelings leaped towards us. He and I looked at each other, smiled, and then dived into the fray. ______________________________________________________________ Perspective: Discord I looked on Shar’drel as she laid on the grass. She’d wasted all of her energy fighting a god of chaos. Not to mention all the fighting it must’ve taken her to reach me. Poor thing... I landed down beside her, looked down at the tired and bloody creature. “Lunard got to you too, huh?” She growled weakly, some of her scales seemed to be flaking off, as if the skin under them had dried out. Large painful gashes, and large scorch marks covered a lot of her body, and... Oh, the poor dear, it looks like I had broken her tail with that anvil. Oh well. Can’t beat the classics, can you, old drake? Her eyes looked to me, I could see a glimpse of what she once was. I spoke gently to her. “I know it hurts, too many have suffered from Lunard’s mind dive. First he breaks into your mind like a wrecking ball through a balsa wood wall, then he starts picking up the pieces and messing around with them. Once all that is dealt with, you’re left with little more than a shell of what you once were.” She let out a weak plea, I know what she wants. “No I won’t leave you like this, if I do you’d suffer for a hundred years before you died. I know how long dragon lifespans can last, even you bleeding out here would be a disservice. Pride, I’m sick of it, Lunard can’t get enough of it, and you were destroyed for the same reason. I don’t know how you ended up with Lunard, nor do I care.” She looked at me, as I summoned a long dagger. Her eyes showed she was pleading with me. “This, is a dagger made from the fang of the Leviathan. The most powerful dragon predator in existence. I had the misfortune of having to face one in battle. But, I’m guessing the spoils will help you pass.” She let out a pitiful cry as I walked forward. I then saw her eyes close...she was ready. “Goodbye Shar’drel...rest now...” I plunged the dagger into her heart. This way I knew it would be quick, and relatively painless. The dragoness sighed, and her body stilled, and seemed to... deflate. Scales flaked off, bones crumbled, and generally disintegrated.Her spirit had left her body ages ago, Lunard was misusing her shell of a body. She was free now, that was the kindest gift I could give her. “How sentimental...” I heard a voice say, right before I was blasted by magic from behind. ____________________________________________________________________ Perspective: Private Eye Across the ravine, there it stood in all its ruined glory. It was once called “The Castle of the Two Sisters”, and was where two climatic confrontations had taken place, a thousand years apart. The towers were crumbling, and the Everfree had claimed parts of it, but it was still fairly magnificent to behold, even in ruins. I could still see some of the battle scars it held from the battle with Nightmare Moon. Both of them. The gray stone still held some of the ancient carvings, though timeworn, and more abstract than they once were. I wonder if this is how Twilight felt, when she first saw this place? I just can’t get used to it, honestly. “So we’re here,” AJ declared. “What now?” “We’re supposed to find something here, right?” Fluttershy asked. “Celestia wasn’t exactly specific,” Twilight said, putting a hoof on her chin. “Hey Applejack,” Pinkie said. “Don’t you think it’s weird we keep coming back here. Not to mention, that this place was here before your granny showed up?” “This place is just too weird,” Rainbow commented. “Well, we aren’t going to get anywhere gawking at it.,” I said. “Let’s go check it out, maybe we’ll find a weapon of some sort.” We all entered the castle and came to the central chamber...then... I felt a weight on my neck. I looked around at the others and the Elements of Harmony were on them. They all glowed, including mine. “Whoa!” Rainbow gasped, looking at her shining Element of Loyalty. “I feel strange, darlings” Rarity commented. “Like, we were meant to come here.” Twilight looked up at her tiara and light flowed from the five elements into it. It then fired my element, and I felt suddenly...clearer. Like wool was removed from my eyes for a brief moment. Then a beam fired from my element, curved in the air, and fired down behind me. I turned and saw a staircase leading down. “Sweet! A secret passage!” Rainbow smiled. “This is just like Daring Do and the Gryphon’s Goblet!” She was about to let out a fangirl squeal, before seeing our smirking faces and reverting back to regular Dash. “I mean, it’s kind of cool I guess.” “Let’s have a look,” Twilight said, taking the lead and descending the stairs. We all followed soon after and walked lower and lower. We went down for what felt like an hour before... Wow... Downstairs was a room filled with carvings, all intricately detailed and covering the walls. “Oh my gosh!” Twilight gasped, her eyes wide with excitement. “Nopony’s ever found this before! We’ve just made a huge archeological discovery!” “Whaddya think they mean?” Applejack asked. Twilight walked up to one. “Guys, take a look at this.” We walked over and saw the picture, seemingly at the beginning of the tale as it was the carving farthest to the left, depicted an Alicorn. She was standing over a planet, her head was turned away, as if in sadness. The carving went on to show the same Alicorn standing before...it couldn’t be... “That’s Celestia!” Twilight cried in shock, pointing at the carving of the princess. “Look how detailed it is! This can’t be a coincidence!” “But who’s with her?” I said, looking closer, and recognizing the figure next to the princess. “It’s Voidera!” “Hey guys, look at this,” Rainbow said, looking further down. “Doesn't look like this story has a happy ending.” We looked on and the carving depicted a group of alicorns standing over a group of smaller ponies. One of them raised a hoof, and I saw behind the ponies were more Alicorns, with blades in their magic. “Some kind of slaughter?” Rarity guessed grimly. “Whatever it is,” Pinkie frowned, “Those Alicorns don’t look happy at all.” “Well, I think there’s a reason,” Fluttershy said, pointing at another point in the carving. It showed a meteor shower coming down on the Alicorns. The following carvings depicted the terrible destruction that followed. Floods, earthquakes, fire from the skies...but in the center. There was Celestia and Luna, their carvings showed that much. They were in a circle standing protectively over the ponies from before. Seven in total, three unicorns, two pegasi, and two earth ponies. I then noticed the circle around them was lined with jewels, the same jewels on each of our elements. “Well, at least we know how Equestria was made,” Pinkie said, trying to lighten the mood and failing miserably. “So much destruction,” Rarity said, shaking her head. “I cannot imagine what it must’ve been like to live through that.” “Hey, there’s more to the story,” Applejack called, pointing. The next carving depicted six of the seven ponies laughing and playing with one another. The seventh was off to the side, looking on them. “Wait,” Twilight reached into her saddlebags. “I think I’ve seen this before.” She pulled out a painting made from an older kind of paper. I looked on and noticed that the ponies on them resembled the ponies on the carving...and us. “This is too weird, sugarcube.” AJ said, shaking her head. “Of all the ponies, mine gets shipped with Applejack’s?” Pinkie said, tilting her head. “Can we focus please!” Twilight called. “I have a theory, I think these are our ancestors. Adamus and Evona,” she pointed at the Pinkie and Applejack lookalikes, “Are Pinkie and Applejack’s ancestors.” “Then the pegasi have to be mine and Fluttershy’s. I heard they were called Askus and Emblem,” Rainbow guessed. “Oh my goodness, what a lovely couple they make,” Fluttershy smiled, looking at the painting. “Don’t make this weirder than it already is, Flutters,” Rainbow replied. “Then by process of elimination,” Rarity said, looking at Twilight, “We are descended from the white and lavender unicorns here.” “I would believe so,” Twilight nodded. “They are called Izanagi and Izanami from what I read.” “Then wait,” Pinkie said. “What about Private?” They all looked at me, and I looked down at the last unicorn. “Wait... I know him... Prometheus.” “I’ve never heard of a Prometheus in any book.” Twilight said, looking at the grey unicorn. “He looks, so... sad.” “I think I’ve seen him once,” I explained. “I think, he’s my ancestor, that’s why Tenacity was able to call him.” “When did you see him?” Twilight asked. This, was a little bit harder to explain. I couldn’t rightly say it was from an alternate timeline where Twilight became evil queen number forty seven. So I simply said, “It happened during one of the chantings.” “He does looks really sad,” Fluttershy commented. “He was probably lonely, not having a mate to call his own. Maybe that’s why Angel’s so grumpy all the time, I should try to remedy that when we get back.” “Somehow, I don’t think any female bunny would want to put up with Angel,” Rainbow said, rolling her eyes. “That aside,” Rarity said. “How can Private be descended from this, Prometheus, if he was unwed?” “Maybe he married one of our ancestor’s kids,” Pinkie suggested. “Wait a minute, grey unicorn...” I put a hoof to my chin. “Siblings, two alicorn parents, I remember this!” I looked back at them. “I read a story to Skyla about this! The First Crystal Pony, that’s what happened to him!” “I think you’re right!” Twilight said, pointing at the carving. We looked and sure enough, there was a carving of Prometheus walking away from his family. It then showed him showing up at the Crystal Valley. Then it showed his slow process of creating the first Crystal Pony, because he felt lonely and needed a friend. I saw the Crystal Pony nuzzle Prometheus, and he nuzzled her in turn. “Did he just...” Rarity shook her head. “Create a marefriend?” “At least it’s better than some of the other stuff stallions do when they are lonely,” AJ quipped, tilting her head. “So, that’s how Private is descended from him!” Rainbow deduced. “But wait, does this mean in some weird way Private’s related to every pony in the empire?” “I think so,” I said, looking at Prometheus as he stood in on a balcony with his love. “I think, my ancestor created the Crystal Empire!” Rarity smiled, “Well then, I guess Private can say that to any nobles that try and deny Private and Twilight’s marriage.” “RARITY!” Twilight and I yelled, causing the other mares to giggle. “Uhm... There seems to be more to the story,” Fluttershy whispered, pointing to more carvings. I looked on, the carvings depicted Prometheus with his siblings. There was a large castle in the background. The next few carvings showed the ponies in prosperous nations. Farms were made, pegasi dotted the clouds, and Unicorns built magnificent buildings. Prometheus, however, turned away from these. It showed him with his head bowed, his mate with a hoof on him. It then showed Prometheus pushing her away. Then...there was a detail added...Prometheus’ eyes had emeralds on them. “Just like,” AJ said warily. “Yeah, just like that Sombra meanie pants,” Pinkie commented. “It, can’t be.” Twilight said, turning to me. “You...and Sombra...” I looked down, I never thought it would come out at a time like this. I decided to let it come out. “Sometimes, when my emotions get the best of me, I feel, something strange. I felt it build in me ever since that case with Discord. I felt, powerful, like I could make things how I wanted. I think, it’s dark magic that’s inside me.” They all stared at me for a long time. Nopony said anything. Finally, it was Fluttershy that asked, “But, you don’t use it all the time right?” I shook my head. “It, I don’t really have any control for when it happens. I just, kind of lose it.” “It would explain your rather aggressive behavior sometimes.” Rarity said. “Like when you turned us away back at the garden.” Twilight walked to me. “You’ve been hiding that part of you for that long. Why didn’t you say anything?” “Because, I didn’t know what it was myself until recently,” I admitted. “I wanted more information before I go announcing it to the world. It’s not really something I can control as I explained earlier.” Twilight simply looked into my silver eyes. She lifted a hoof to my cheek and said. “Whatever it is, we’ll find a way to help you keep it in check. I promise you that.” “Twi,” I smiled at her. “You gotta be kidding me!” Rainbow cried from behind us. “The carving’s cut off!” We walked over and saw that indeed the next part of the carving looked only half finished. The last few images depicted Prometheus leading an army towards the castle. It then showed Prometheus with a unicorn, his eyes emeralds. Then it cuts itself off. “That’s Izanami,” Twilight noticed, pointing to the unicorn Prometheus was with. “What is he doing with her?” “If I could hazard a guess.” Rarity said, looking at him. “I would think she was trying to dissuade him from attacking.” “Well, it sucks that we don’t know the ending!” Rainbow huffed. “Wait, there’s stuff after the unfinished stuff.” Pinkie pointed towards the carvings after the blank area. I looked on, and saw that the carving depicted...us. A carving of Twilight, along with all five other elements were surrounding her. They showcased Twilight’s defeat of Nightmare Moon. “Yer tellin me this crazy thing predicted us fightin Nightmare?” AJ asked, looking on the carving. “Not only that,” Fluttershy pointed towards another carving. “I think it shows Private coming in too.” Sure enough, there was a carving of a unicorn wearing my element, he was with the other elements. It showed him nuzzling Twilight’s carving, and showed her with wings. “So, it seems we are made for one another,” Twilight said, nuzzling me. I returned it gently. “I’m really starting to freak out now guys,” Rainbow said, looking on. “Just how far does this thing go?” The rest of the carvings that followed made almost no sense. One showed another unicorn holding the element of magic. One showed some kind of dragon leading others to ponies. Another still showed a pair of unicorns clashing with one another. We looked on the largest carving, the one that seemed to stand out the most. It was a familiar enough picture. It showed alicorns chasing each other across a planet. But instead of the two that you normally see, Celestia and Luna. The carving depicted four, Celestia, Luna, an alicorn traveling between Celestia and Luna one way, in a position where there would be... “Twilight, it’s you!” Rainbow said in realization. “That’s me,” Twilight said, looking at the carving. “They predicted I would become an Alicorn.” “Well, if anypony could become one it’s you, silly filly,” Pinkie smiled. “But, who’s the last one, is that Cadence?” AJ asked, pointing to the last one. I looked at it, the alicorn depicted was no different from the others shape wise. But, her mane appeared to be a reddish if the carving’s old painting is any indication. “Could it be, that there is one more Alicorn we don’t know about?” Rarity asked, putting a hoof on her mouth in shock. “Whoever she is we should try and find her,” Twilight said. “Maybe she’s here, and that’s who Celestia sent us to find.” “Then why not just say,” Rainbow started to imitate Celestia. “Find the Alicorn that may be hiding here.” She went back to her normal voice. “Why give us the cryptic prophecy, this is interesting and all, but how is this going to help us now?” “It won’t,” a voice said from behind us. He looked tired, and battle worn. His armor was dented, and not as shiny as it had been, and his once-smooth blue fur was now darkened with soot, and scorch marks. His blade, Moonsunder I think it was called, looked chipped in some areas but still in good condition. Memories of seeing him wield it did not escape my mind. “How in the horseradish hay did you find us?!” AJ yelled, looking dumbfounded. “Simple,” Lunard said, his voice not showing emotion. “I followed the trail, with Chrysalis distracted the towns folk you led me right to a remote area. In your attempt to get away, you isolated yourselves from any protection.” “Listen here you brute!” Rarity cried. “I don’t care if you are an alicorn, we will not stand by and let you harm Private or anypony!” “That’s right!” Rainbow joined Rarity. “We got the Elements of Harmony right here! We’ll take you down before you can even blink!” “Yeah!” Pinkie yelled. “After all the meanie pants stuff you pulled, you’re gonna get it!” “Nopony tries to hurt our friends!” Fluttershy cried. “Nopony!” Lunard... smiled. “Go ahead,” he said. “Show me this great power of yours.” “You want it?” Twilight asked, her tiara glowing. “Come and get it!” Suddenly all six elements of harmony began glowing brightly. Twilight was lifted into the air along with the others. I wasn’t about to let them fight this alone! The chanting has come... I saw Tenacity glow brightly as I too was lifted into the air. Cords of light came from the element and reached to connect to the others. I lifted my hooves up to Twilight, and started to move the pow- GGGGGGGGAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!! Suddenly I felt a great pain inside me, it was like every voice that was chanting before was now screaming. I yelled in absolute pain as the lines of light turned blue.... The others began yelling in pain, I looked on, Lunard was smiling, his horn aglow with magic. How...was this...possible...? Fluttershy was the first to fall, hitting the floor like a rag doll. Rarity and Pinkie soon followed, not moving when they hit the floor. I saw in horror as Applejack and Rainbow hit the ground next, they didn’t even twitch. Lastly...Twilight fell and hit the ground hard. I fell to the ground myself, I stood on my hooves and looked over at the others. They were lying on the ground, unconscious and not moving. The had passed but my anger only grew. I glared at Lunard. “What did you do?!” “I used your element’s power,” Lunard said, as if I was a student and he was a teacher. “Your element can empower the others, but it can also drain them to the point of near death. Sadly, you cannot be drained of Tenacity’s power, so that is why you are awake.” “How the hell did you do this?” I asked, dumbfounded. “How is this even possible?” “Simple,” Lunard said, his blue eyes looking at me. “I made your Element.” “What?!” I cried, in absolute shock. “You, made Tenacity?” “Fifteen hundred years ago, a star fell from the sky. Inside of it were six jewels of immense power. The power was divided among the gems to make sure that only those that work together can use them. However, there was one part of the star that wasn’t made into an element. It was the diamond layer that protected the precious gems inside. To make sure none could use the power of the elements against me, I used that layer to create the Element of Tenacity. Sadly, I never got to use it before it was stolen from me by Voidera.” I was just, dumbfounded. My element could do this? It could cause such suffering and pain. I can’t imagine what the others must have felt... Then, Lunard’s horn glowed, and both of us vanished... _________________________________________________________________ I woke up and felt the wind all around me. I stood and saw I was atop a tower overlooking the Everfree forest. I looked down it and saw I was atop the ruins. Lunard teleported me here! I looked behind me, and saw the alicorn looking at me. “Now, none can interrupt us.” “Why do you want me, Lunard?!” I cried. “What did I ever do to you?” “The dark magic within you is a taint that must be removed,” he said, almost mindlessly. “You had the gall to hurt my friends because of that?!” I yelled. “Friends? Is that what you called them? Or mere shields to throw in front of yourself when faced with a real opponent.” “Shut up!” I yelled. “They are my friends! Twilight above any of them is very important to me!” He slowly laughed, “Your love for her is obvious! No wonder you are such a fool!” “I’ve had enough of you!!!” I screamed, pulling out Blackbird and shooting at the Alicorn. The bullets ricocheted off his armor. I managed to hit one of his wings however, I’m guessing he hasn’t encountered firearms quite yet. He grunted at the pain. “Filthy mongrel!” He swung his massive sword at me. I managed to roll out of the way in time. I reloaded Blackbird and fired at his wings again, that ought to keep him from flying away. He yelled in pain but managed to swing his sword around. The blade hit Blackbird and sent her flying over the edge. I reached into my Trench coat and pulled out White Tiger, the silenced pistol was now filled with very lethal bullets. I aimed and shot at a weak point in the armor, a hole above his shoulder. He roared in pain, and then....that’s when it happened. His horn glowed and the bullets literally came out of his flesh. Why is it that guns never work?! Just once I’d like an all powerful being to be beaten by a shot to the head! Just once! I saw as his wounds slowly healed, this guy had healing magic? No fair! “Primitive weaponry,” He commented, levitating up one of the bullets. “In my time we had weaponry that fired pure magical bolts using crystals. I see without a race of all magical beings you could not create such.” “Then let’s settle this the old fashioned way!” I yelled, pulling out Silver Wolf from it’s sheath. “You plan to settle it this way?” he asked. “Very well, if you wish to die on your hooves, then I will honor that.” “I’m not planning on dying!” I yelled, holding the blade in my magic. “Because I have something to live for!” I charged at him, swinging Silver Wolf at him. He blocked the blade with his own. “Hmm, one of Voidera’s blades. Strong and capable, but hardly a match for Moonsunder!” He then swung his blade and hit Silver Wolf hard. I swinged the blade hard, hitting Moonsunder. Our blades danced and clashed with one another. Our battle was a chorus of steel and it sang throughout the battle. I felt the fatigue as the battle drew on. We stood apart from one another, both of us breathing heavily. Lunard spoke, “You have some skill with the blade, few have ever managed to hold on this long.” “I’m not exactly looking for compliments,” I glowered. “Do you think you can defeat me? I’m hardly using any magical energy at all. You however, are a hybrid and therefore can barely hold your sword after this.” “Then....” I reached into my pockets, and set Silver Wolf aside. I pulled out what I knew Luna slipped into my pockets. “I’m going to need some help, some very old friends.” “So, you discovered that power of Tenacity.” Lunard said, holding Moonsunder in a fighting stance. “Let us see what you do with it...” “It’s time...” I glared at him. “You faced the beast!” I slipped the medallion around my neck. “HENSHIN!!!” I transformed into a larger and more muscular unicorn, with a dark gray coat. Suddenly I could see much better in the growing darkness of the falling night, as my eyes became slitted. My magic wielded a pair gladiuses, their hilts purple. My armor was violet and the medallion took the form of an open eye on my chest. I felt fangs form in my mouth to match my rather scary appearance. Lunard actually looked impressed, “Luna, so you have perfected it.” “Forget there’s a fight going on?” I growled, lifting both blades and charging at him. I began swinging them both with vigor. Lunard barely had time to react to my attacks as I unleashed a relentless assault on him. I managed to actually leave several deep marks on Moonsunder. Lunard’s horn glowed and he fired a bolt of magic at me, sending me flying. I worked with the momentum, flipped and landed on my hooves. I looked down at myself, saw a cord of light going to my side. I saw Eclipse standing there, he smiled and his horn glowed. I looked at my blades, and saw that they were coated with some kind of fire and ice magic. This gave me an idea! I dashed towards Lunard and began swinging at him with the fire sword. He blocked it but I kept swinging at him. He laughed. “So, you think to heat my blade? I’m not touching it! I will not be affected no matter how hot it gets!” I looked at the blade, and saw it was hot enough. I then began swinging at it with the ice blade. The blade started cooling rapidly...chem 101... Lunard leaped back and looked at his frozen blade. “What?” “Let’s give you a little science lesson!” I said, smirking “What happens when metal is heated quickly, and then cooled quickly?” “Clever...” Lunard said. I saw another cord of light, and saw Littlepip standing on my other side. Her horn glowed and various guns began appearing around me. I aimed them all at the sword and the guns all fired. Lunard was able to put up with the first few assaults, blocking it with a shield spell. But over time his spell wore out and one weapon shot a type slug and hit the blade. The other weapons fired upon the now brittle metal and eventually started cracking it. I then leaped myself and delivered a swift kick to Moonsunder, the blade broke in two. I leaped back, breathing heavily as Lunard looked on his broken blade. “Ha, so much for Moonsunder huh?” Lunard...smiled again. “You are clever, I will give you that mongrel. But once again, you are outmatched...” His horn glowed, and so did the blade. The blade sparked blue and reforged itself.... Alchemy, this guy knew it too? “You are capable, but you have barely mastered a tenth of your element’s power.” Lunard said. “Doesn't matter!” I shouted. “I’ll still defeat you!” “Do not think yourself so powerful, you could fight me for a century and still not come close.” Lunard replied, “You cannot defeat me. You will fall...” “I won’t let you win!” I yelled. “The darkness within you will only destroy her.” Lunard said. “What?” “Your dark magic, I can practically smell it on you, that magic will only bring great suffering. Years ago your ancestor used that dark magic to bring about the end of the Old Kingdoms in this era. He destroyed countless cities and ended many lives...” Prometheus, did that? “But, his greatest sin was not that. You, are the result of that sin. When she tried to dissuade him Prometheus gave into his darkest desire and laid claim to Izanami in her own room....your ancestor comes from that sinful line...” No...Twilight’s line...and mine...he did... “Do you wonder why you desire her so? It is because your ancestors have always chased Izanami’s line in one form or another. But the truth is, such a sin can never be forgiven! I stand as the seeker of justice! I will bring about the end of you line. And once your line is ended...I will make Twilight...into a proper princess...” “No...” I growled. “The true power...is within me...” I saw a mist begin to come from him..Miasma...”It will grant her immeasurable power. It will cast away any lingering emotions and bring about a true Equestria. One without mongrels and hybrids and disgusting remnants! A world where true order will be maintained! No dark magic! No sin! No corruption! All will be perfect!” “I won’t let you Lunard!” I cried. “That corruption is the Miasma! I’ve felt it’s affects myself! You can’t let it win!” “If you will not turn...then perhaps...she...will...” “NOOOOOOOOOOO!” I began swinging both of my blades at him. I didn’t care about any style or finesse! This guy threatened Twilight! He threatened to create that horrible future! He won’t do this! I refuse! I kept wailing on him, not letting up for a minute as pure instinct took over. HE DIES NOW! Shink.... I felt....it enter me....the sword.... “You and Voidera are much alike,” Lunard said. “You both are strong in your own rights. But in the end, you are both....disasters waiting to happen...so caught up in your instinct, that I am forced to stop you...here...and now.” I felt the blood leave my body...I...felt....cold.... I dropped the blades...felt the...magic...leave...body...becoming...n...normal... Can...can’t...br...breath...going....more...cold.... I felt the sword come...out....I felt...my life....sl...slipping...away....I hit...the ground.... Twilight...I....love...you.... Chapter 7 "Rise of Hope"Chapter 7 “Rise of Hope” Perspective: Twilight Sparkle I groaned as my eyes opened. What happened? I feel like a tree Applejack bucked one gazillion times. I remember, we were using the Elements on Lunard. Then, something went wrong when Private used his. Where is Private? I got to my hooves, ignoring the pain I felt in them, I looked around the chamber, there was no sign of Private or Lunard anywhere! I ran over to Rainbow and nudged her. “Come on, wake up guys.” “What in the hoary horseradished hay was that...?” AJ grumbled as she came around. Pinkie slowly awoke too. “I dunno, but I feel all woozy and stuff. Was that supposed to happen?” “I believe, darlings, that somehow our spell was sabotaged.” Rarity explained, getting up herself. Rainbow awoke after more prodding from me. “Not now mommy, til next year...WHOA!” She shot up straight. “What happened to the bad guy! Did we disintegrate him or something?” “I don’t think so,” Fluttershy said, leaning on Rarity for support as she collected herself. “Where’s Private?” “That’s what I want to know,” I said, shaking my head. “He’s not here, you don’t think he- come on girls!” I then took off for the stairs, the others followed behind me. There was no way! Private would never! No... We got back up to the main chamber, it was deserted too. Rainbow shook her head as she joined me “They must’ve teleported or something. It’ll take us ages to find them.” “Maybe I can find them with a scrying spell.” I said, concentrating my magic. I opened my eyes and found myself outside the palace. Wow! A scrying spell has never been this easy before! Thank you Alicorn magic! Before me a battle raged, a furious pony that looked like a darkened version of my Private wearing Night Guard armor was swinging two gladiuses at Lunard’s greatsword. And boy was that stallion mad! He was swinging his swords with all his might at Lunard, there was something almost, savage about the fighting style. It seemed weird for Private to fight like that, he’s usually so calm...what did Lunard say to him? Private kept wailing on him, striking with blows that only came out as blurs in my eyes. But...no... Lunard...he...he saw through his style and.... The sword...went into Private...his magic armor was gone...he... “PRIVATE!!!!” My horn glowed brightly in reality as I screamed. I teleported all of us out. _________________________________________________________ We all appeared on the roof where Private was. I looked down at him...he wasn’t moving...he wasn’t.... “Private!” Before the others could stop me I ran to him and knelt over his body, tears pouring down my face. The one stallion I ever loved. The only stallion I could ever love. How could this possibly happen?! I picked up Private’s head, and held it gently in my forelegs. I looked at his face and sobbed, “Private, Private come on say something. You, this can’t be the end.” I felt more tears coming along. “You, you always have a plan, something, anything to get out of this. Private, come on...wake up...don’t...” I wailed, hugging him to me as my tears flowed openly. Private...was....gone.... No...I can’t...I won’t believe it.... I don’t want him gone! I can’t! I have magic! I can heal him! OF ALL THE SPELLS I COULD’VE LEARNED WHY DIDN'T I LEARN HOW TO BRING HIM BACK! I looked over, Rainbow was beside me, so were the others. Looks of shock were evident on everyponies faces. I saw Fluttershy fighting the urge to cry, Pinkie was already weeping. Rarity looked down at Private, a look of disbelief on her face. AJ and Rainbow however, only looked forward. They looked up at Lunard. Rainbow was the first one to leap at him. “You bastard!!” Lunard simply dodged out of the way of Rainbow, but not before his leg was lassoed by Applejack. “Yer gonna pay fer that ya punk!” She pulled hard, causing Lunard to fall. Lunard then bucked Rainbow as she was about to tackle him from behind. “You are all truly pathetic, your weeping over a pony that was responsible for your failing to stop me! A useless hybrid who could never in a million years defeat me!” “YOU BRUTE!!!” Rarity screamed, leaping into the fray herself. “You horrid, murdering CAD of a monstrosity!” she added, using all her martial arts moves to land blows on Lunard’s face and body. “As if any of you could defe-” Suddenly the king was faced with a certain cannon. “Party cannon go BOOOMMM!!!” Pinkie fired the cannon and the ball hit Lunard square in the chest armor. It sent him flying back but he eventually recovered herself. All five of my friends were standing there. “You are fools, your elements have been drained,” Lunard glowered at us. “You cannot possibly hope to best me!” “Yeah, well we sure as hay can try!” Rainbow yelled, punching her hooves together. “RAINBOW!” They all turned to look at me, I laid Private’s head gently down. I walked over to my friends, looked up defiantly into the eyes of Lunard and said: “You. Are. Mine.” With that, all six of us leaped at him. This is for you, Private! I will not let him get away with this! I don’t care if I have to use every spell at my disposal! I will make him suffer for ever laying a hoof on you!!! _________________________________________________________________ Perspective: Raiden Bolt It’s starting to feel a bit helpless. Here we are, seven ponies in kickass suits, and the bugs are still coming! It seems like every bug we take down, two rise to take their place. Is there some kinda spell doing this? This isn’t fun, anymore. Seriously. “Stars above, this feels a bit like the Royal Wedding combined with Mount Ashbringer,” Queenie groaned, sounding tired. I looked over and saw Firestormer was wrestling two changelings as they flew towards a nearby building and crashed into it. I looked myself and saw a pair of Changelings were flying towards me! Man! Chrysie has been busy! How many of these things does she have? I aimed my hoof at one and zapped him with a lightning bolt. I then turned around and kicked the other in the jaw. Both plummeted towards the battle below. “Sir, power levels are at 25%, we are barely able to stay aloft with that level,” Neko warned as I dodged another changeling trying to bite me, sending it over to Squall so he could have at it. “Neko I know the math!” I cried, dodging and zapping another changeling. “Now it’s at twenty four percent. Sir at the rate we are fighting I can estimate that we will completely lose power in about seven minutes.” “What about auxiliary power?” I asked, punching a changeling that was dumb enough to get too close. “That is our auxiliary power” Neko said, very seriously. This isn’t good, this is very not good. I looked up and saw a swarm of the bastards flying towards Ponyville. I can’t let those reinforcements get to Ponyville! “Neko! Activate Program Thunderbird!” I yelled, zooming towards the changelings. “Sir I strongly advise against it, at the low power rate we have we will have 0% power by the time it’s finished. I cannot guarantee your safety after the program is executed.” “I made a promise to Rainbow I’d look after this town! I promised Private I’d keep it safe! Damn it! I’m not breaking a promise right now if I can help it! I’m tired of running away! I’m rushing this problem head on!” …..”Thunderbird.exe activating.” I spread my wings to their full length as lightning sparked around me. Soon my body was almost completely enveloped in electricity. Raiun hoped this program would never have to be used. Bro, if you can see me now, this one’s for you... The Changelings looked on in shock and awe as I zoomed towards them. I made impact.... KAZAPPP!!! An explosion of lightning shot around me, zapping all of them and charring anypony near ground zero of the blast. Next thing I knew, I was falling with the changelings. Plummeting towards the earth a second time, only..there was nopony to catch me. Rainbow, I hope you could see that... I’m here without you baby, but you’re still on my lonely mind, I think about you baby, and I dream about you all the time.... _____________________________________________________________________ Perspective: Spike I looked up as Raiden fired that explosion in the sky. I would spend ten seconds simply digesting how awesome it was if I wasn’t occupied. I blasted a stream of fire into the face of a changeling as I fought near the library. If only I could grow, I could stomp on these bugs like, well bugs. I clawed at another bug trying to get at me. If only I could remember how I did it last time. Anypony got a hat nearby? Two bugs were about to pounce on me, when suddenly they got hit by a pair of fireworks. I looked behind me and saw Trixie aiming her horn at them. Normally her fireworks were cheap showcases, but they apparently still hurt at close range. “The great and powerful Trixie will not have Twilight’s pet dragon squashed,” she said, tossing her silvery blue mane. “Yeah, well...” I fired a fireball at a bug about to ambush her. “Twilight’s pet dragon can take care of himself thank you!” More bugs came at us, surrounding us completely. Trixie looked at them as we stood back to back. “Trixie never thought she would die fighting with a dragon.” “How about,” I looked back at her. “Fighting with a friend?” She smiled slowly, “I, I could like that very much.” With that, we both leaped into the fray again. ____________________________________________________________________ Perspective: Private Eye I opened my eyes to white, pure white all around me. I remember this place. I got up on my legs and looked around. There was nothing around me. What happened? How did I get here? Wait! Lunard! He stabbed me! I felt my chest fur, I didn’t even feel a scar where he stabbed. In fact, I wasn’t injured at all here. How is thi- “This possible? Because I willed it so my little pony,” I heard a familiar voice speak up behind me. I turned around, and beheld Faust before me. The white, red maned alicorn was smiling gently at me. Her blue eyes showed gentleness despite all that’s happened. “Faust!” I cried. “Lunard, he stabbed me! I...” “Died,” She answered for me. “Sadly, your wounds were too grievous to save you.” “I’m, dead?” I said slowly, my voice showcasing my shock. “I’m sorry Private, but it is true.” she said, her voice showing sadness. “No I can’t die now!” I yelled, running about. “I have to get back! I have to stop Lunard! He’ll...” “Private, please calm down,” she soothed, her voice still gentle. “Calm down?!” I yelled at her “I just died! Where the-” I remembered I was talking to a goddess, “Heck, am I?” “You stand at the border between life and death.” Faust explained. “I stopped you from going all the way.” “You, saved me?” I asked, looking at her. “But why? I failed. Lunard used Tenacity against the others. He’ll destroyed everything, all because of me.” I looked down. “I failed them, I failed everypony. I let them all down.” Faust, slowly smiled and lifted my face with a hoof. “You believe yourself solely responsible?” “Yes, I do,” I admitted. “The Private from three years ago would never had admitted such a thing.” She said, her blue eyes looking at my grey ones. “Your pride has melted away Private Eye, revealing you as you are. That pride, was clouding your true destiny from your eyes.” “But, aren’t I the element of Tenacity?” I asked. “That’s a big enough destiny. Then, there’s the dark magic inside me. I wonder, how much pain did I cause using it?” Faust was quiet for a moment, then she said, “Lunard, may have created your Element, but he never understood it.” “What?” I asked, tilting my head. “Tenacity, is a horrid name for an element. One’s will to succeed can lead one to greatness. But it leads down a path of arrogance and pride. It causes one to ignore the consequences of others, and see only the ends to justify the means. Pride does lead to the fall, as one’s goals are completed via tenacity, they build castles of sand. Once the waves come, their accomplishments crumble,” she said it in such a sagely tone, I couldn’t help but listen to every word. “Then, if my element isn’t Tenacity, then what is it?” I asked. “What is my destiny! Tell me!” I looked around, suddenly, screens started appearing everywhere. I saw, me! The images were of me at various points in my life. Only I was never alone in any of them. I was always with somepony, whether it be Rainbow saving my life at Cloudsdale, Spike and I goofing off together at the library. Another one depicted Big Mac and I at the Snowlands. Another still showed me encouraging Moongale at Trottingham. Many more showed all these things in my life. “You’ve touched so many lives Private Eye, so many call you a friend.” She smiled at a screen of me and Twilight. “And some even more.” I then saw Dad, Tailspin and I, all hugging. “You’ve mended bridges and brought peace where once was anger.” “You’re not going to turn me into an Alicorn are you?” I asked, to sate my curiosity. “No,” Faust answered with a smile. “Just checking,” I chuckled, looking back at the screens. Faust gave an almost ethereal sounding laugh. “Anyways, what I am trying to say is that, Private your Element never was Tenacity. Yours...was always...Hope.” “Hope?” I repeated quizzically, looking at her. “Tenacity was named because Lunard believed his own deeds would cause him to succeed. You however, reached to others, to inspire them to become more than they could ever be. Hope isn’t something one pony can keep alive. For even the greatest of heroes have followers, ponies they inspire to help carry the burden of the world.” I felt a weight on my neck, and saw Tenacity was there...but...its diamond...was cracking. A bright light shown as the diamond completely shattered. I shielded my eyes from the light. I heard a voice cry in the background. “You cannot seal me! My time is incomplete! I must-” “You’ve done enough damage Prometheus,” I heard Faust respond to the voice. “Rest, your time will come soon.” “Let me see her! Please I beg of you!!!” “Patience, that is all I ask. All will be made right.” Faust soothed. “You must not use Private to further your own deeds. His love for Izanami’s descendent is his own, not yours. Rest, and be content that I have shown mercy to you.” A bright light enveloped me... _______________________________________________________ I was standing in a black area, in actually I was standing in a spotlight in a black area. I looked down, and saw my violin was there. I don’t know why, but I felt the urge to levitate it up, put the bow to the strings, and begin playing. As the first notes started, I saw a cord of light come from tena-no, Hope, and reach to another spotlight. Standing there was Eclipse, playing some kind of flute, wait, was that an Ocarina? I kept playing my part, and then heard...piano notes. I looked as another cord of light reached to a spotlight. Nocturne appeared, his horn glowing as his magic played the keys of a large piano. For some reason, I knew what to play, I knew what cues they were going to give me. We were a band playing for the first time... Now all we needed, When I am down, There’s our singer...I looked up, it was Littlepip. Her voice was a little rough, but she sang with such earnestness I couldn’t help but smile. She was not clad in her typical jumpsuit, but instead a rather pretty blue dress. Huh, when she cleaned up she was rather cute. She smiled and went on as a chord of light went to her. And oh my soul’s so weary, When troubles come, and my heart, burden be Then I am still, awake here in my silence, I saw another cord and there was another singer with Littlepip. Twinkle... The little lavender filly was clad in a pretty blue dress herself. Littlepip smiled and lowered the mic for her. Twinkle sang with a much clearer and practiced voice. Until you come, and sit awhile, with me. The two smiled at me, and then at one another. A second mic formed for Littlepip as the next part of the song began. The two voices blended into a duet. You raise me up! So I can stand on mountains! You raise me up! To walk on stormy seas! I am strong, when I am on, your shoulders You raise me up, to more than I can be! More and more chords of light came from me as ponies surrounded us. They sang along, all of us singing this beautiful song of hope. You raise me up! So I can stand on mountains! You raise me up! To walk on stormy seas! And I am strong! When I am on, your shoulders! You raise me up! To more than I can be! The song slowed, and I sang the last line. You raise me up, to more than I...can...be... Hope...will never die... I watched as Faust appeared in the center of our band. She smiled and said, “You Preventus Phelps Eye, are the Element, of Hope!” I looked at my Element, the diamond was gone. But in it’s place was a gleaming silver jewel. It took the form of my cutie mark, a magnifying glass. Faust then looked to me “Now, awaken...” A bright light enveloped my eyes again...I’m gonna need glasses before this is done... _____________________________________________________________ My eyes opened, and I gasped, and coughed a bit, then rubbed my eyes, hearing the sounds of battle, up ahead. I slowly got to my feet, and discovered that all six of my friends were fighting Lunard! Fluttershy wailed on him, while Rainbow carried out an aerial assault. Applejack got in her two hind-legs’ worth, every now and again, as Pinkie took every opportunity to blast Lunard with her party cannon. Rarity seemed to be using a clever combination of pelting him with rubble, and martial arts moves. While Twilight stood here, blasting Lunard with spell after spell. Wow, Twilight knows a lot of spells. Again, is it possible to be scared shitless and turned on by her? Short answer yes, long answer hell yes. “Enough!” Lunard’s horn glowed and he fired a shockwave that sent the others flying towards Twilight. They all crashed in front of her. Lunard glared at Twilight. “You six have lost, you refuse to acknowledge that!” “We ain’t givin up!” AJ yelled, getting to her hooves. “Private never did!” Rainbow reminded him, doing the same. “We’re never going to let a meanie pants like you get away with hurting our friend!” Pinkie cried, springing to her hooves. “A murderous brute like you would never understand!” Rarity yelled, climbing to her hooves. “How dare you even think you could do this!” Fluttershy roared, her assertiveness taking over. “We’ll stop you Lunard!” Twilight called, crouching into a fighting stance with her friends. “Even if I have to use every magic in existence I will make you pay for killing Private!” I then, took a step. They all tensed up as they heard my hoof step. They turned to look at me, dirty, ragged, a trench coat so torn Rarity will probably freak when she sees what she volunteered to fix, and blood on my chest and fedora. Their eyes, widened considerably. Lunard yelled incredulously “Impossible! I killed you!” “You’re about to learn a hard lesson, Lunard,” I said, a smile on my face. “I’m extreamly hard to kill.” Twilight’s eyes welled with tears as she ran to me. “Private!!!” I held open my forelegs and hugged her tightly to me. The others all stared, not believing their eyes. I held Twilight tenderly, stroking her mane and saying “It’s okay Twilight, I’m back, I’m here.” “But, how is this possible, darling?” Rarity asked, dumbfounded. “Does it matter?” Rainbow grinned. “Private didn’t die!” “I’d throw you a ‘glad you came back from the dead and we’re really really happy to see you again’ party,” Pinkie quipped, “But, we still got a really mad meanie pants to deal with.” I broke Twilight’s embrace and walked forward. The others all stood around me. Lunard laughed. “You fool! Do you really want a repeat performance?” His horn glowed, and I felt Hope come out. “I’ll just drain you all aga-” I smirked as my Element glowed, Lunard’s eyes went wide as his spell failed to work. Lunard stood astounded. “No! It’s not possible! I made Tenacity! I have control!” “You may have had control then!” I yelled, slowly rising into the air as Hope grew brighter. “But you will never be able to control the true element! The true Seventh Element of Harmony! Hope!” They all looked at me as I rose, my element shining in the evening sky. I then spread my hooves. “EVERYPONY FIGHT BACK!” Thousands of cords of light shot from my element. They all went for Ponyville... ________________________________________________________________ Perspective: Raiden Dude, who turned on the light show? I watched as thousands of streams of light moved towards Ponyville. Was it some kind of weapon? Well, I was falling now, so there was nothing I could do when one moved towards me. It connected...I felt...20% more awesome! “Power restored at 300%” Neko said. “Cool,” I smiled and opened my wings again, launching into the air. At the highest point I just began blasting any Changeling I could find. They all stopped as I kept zapping them. For once...they started to look scared... Aww yeah... I flew into the sky, spinning in the air around a group of storm clouds. Then I pumped them full of electricity and the cloud zapped changelings left and right. I smiled and kept zapping away all the extra power. This is so awesome! Private, somehow I think you got something to do with this. Thanks dude, now to get back to bug zapping! _______________________________________________________ Perspective: Spike I looked as the one of the streams of light flew towards me. I covered my eyes as it came. But, when it did I saw it was attached to my chest...I felt...bigger... My muscles bulged, my whole body gained length, and soon I was towering over the library! I remember, vaguely, being this tall, before, but then I had lost all cognitive thought! Now... Now I can put this size to good use! I sent gout after gout of flame to burn the changeling infestation out of the skies! My tail swatted changelings away from Ponyville. This time, though, I could be careful about what I destroy, not that the Changelings cared, but my friends and family in Ponyville DO care. And I will show them I’m not some monster. I roared loudly and the Changelings began turning tail and running. I sent fireballs after them! That’s right! Run! Never threaten my home or my family again! Ponyville is my home! I will never see it taken over by you freaks! ___________________________________________________________ Perspective: Shining Armor I blocked a dagger swing from that witch. Cadence and I had been fighting for a while now I was starting to feel the burn. I just hoped Twili and the others were okay. Private better not have gotten her hurt! Chrysalis had suffered a lot of battle scars as well. One of her wings was shredded and she had to walk with a limp thanks to a sword swing from me. She leaped back using her one good wing and glared at both of us. “How is it I cannot kill you two? You disgusting ponies should’ve died!” She yelled at us. “You’ll never win Chrysalis, you know that,” Cadence said, breathing a little heavily. She must be tired as well. “You fools!” She laughed. “With my army I can simply crush you two on a whim!” “Oh, you mean the army that’s running away?” I asked, pointing behind her. Sure enough, Chrysalis’ army was being outmatched by a suddenly revitalized Ponyville defense. Spike had gotten huge and was torching and clawing any bug that got too close. Raiden was flying through the air and zapping bugs with reckless abandon. The changelings were almost all in full retreat. “You cowards!” Chrysalis called. “Come back! Fight damn you!” “It’s over Chrysalis!” Cadence cried “You lost!” “I may have lost this miserable town,” She said, looking dangerously at us. “But I can still have vengeance!” She leaped towards us, dagger in her magic and a crazed look in her eye... Then I felt a stream of light touch me, I felt stronger than ever! I leaped into Chrysalis’ path, and swung my sword on her dagger. The blade came clean off and the witch was left with a useless hilt. Cadence then came from behind me, a stream of light attached to her as well, and she fired a blast of pure magical energy at the witch. Chrysalis was sent flying into a nearby ruined wall. Cadence and I walked up to her, just as her army was being routed by the others. The changeling queen was on the ground, breathing raggedly. She looked up at us, “What are you waiting for? Kill me...” I was about to lift my sword, when Cadence held up a hoof to stop me. “Cady?” “What will it prove Shining Armor?” my wife said to me. “There is a way to stop her without killing her.” Chrysalis laughed weakly but cruelly. “You child, I will only hunt you down later. I have nothing left in my heart except for the desire of revenge for what you both did to me.” “Maybe, if you had something else in your heart...” Cadence’s horn glowed blue and I saw a little heart come out of it. Her love spell? “No! What are you doing?” Chrysalis asked, her eyes fearful. “Giving you the love you once treasured. I know you can change Chrysalis, I don’t believe that there are truly evil beings in the world. All creatures desire love and care, whether they know it or not.” “You are naive,” Chrysalis said, looking down. “I don’t want your love, it weakens me!” “Just because you don’t want it,” The heart went to Chrysalis. “Doesn't mean I can’t give it.” The heart went inside Chrysalis and slowly the blue markings faded on her. The Changeling Queen looked at Cadence as her eyes seemed to brighten. My wife smiled at her. But then in a green flash Chrysalis was gone. I let Cadence fall on me as the fatigue from the battle finally caught up to her. She looked up at me with weak violet eyes. “Am I naive Shining Armor, to believe such a thing?” “No,” I smiled. “It just shows you’re optimistic, not everypony would’ve done what you did. It only makes me love you all the more.” “Shining,” she planted a kiss on me. As we kissed everypony around us cheered, the battle for Ponyville was over! We had won! __________________________________________________________ Perspective: Private Eye I reached out, more streams of light came from Hope, even touching the fighters of Canterlot, turning the tide there. Soon the changeling army wouldl fall, this power was amazing! I looked at Lunard, shock evident on his face. He growled and his eyes seemed to glow. “I killed you once you mongrel, I can do so again! With or without an army!” “You will never win Lunard! For you’re about to witness a power greater than anything the Miasma can offer!” I held out my hooves, and the streams of light touched each of my friend’s elements. The chanting came, this time it felt like the whole world was doing it too. Lunard roared and before my very eyes the Miasma came out, taking the form of a monstrous head. “I will destroy you all! Just as I should’ve wiped out you miserable mongrels fifteen hundred years ago!” The girls slowly lifted into the air around me as the miasma tried to fly towards us. We all held up a hoof at the same time and a shield blocked it. I looked to each girl around me. Loyalty Honesty Generosity Laughter Kindness I took the power from each of these elements onto my own. I then looked at Twilight, she smiled at me and said “There is one power you can add.” She then kissed me lovingly and I felt power flow through me. Love Magic Hope I then saw Twilight fly into the air and look at the miasma, I lifted my hooves into the air towards her. The cords of light combined into a single sphere and flew up towards her. The magic entered Twilight and her eyes glowed brightly. The miasma shrieked at the sight of her. Time to show this beast, that friendship, and love, is truly magic! Twilight flapped her wings once and her horn fired into the miasma, launching a rainbow beam that hit it hard. The substance let out an ear piercing screech of pain but Twilight didn’t let up. “Nooo!!” Lunard cried as the beam passed through the miasma and hit him full blast. The beam sent Lunard over the edge and he plummeted down to earth. The miasma tried to get at Twilight, but I flew up and got in the way. “You will never touch her!” My eyes glowed and my own horn fired a beam of light that hit the miasma hard. It was like a black hole had formed and the miasma was sucked into it. Soon, the dark substance vanished forever into nothingness. It was over, the miasma was gone, and Lunard and his army had been defeated... Hope turned the tide. EpilogueCase 25 Epilogue Perspective: Lunard I felt it leave me as I fell. For the first time in fifteen hundred years, the miasma was gone. But how? How could a mongrel discover things about Tenacity that not even I, its creator, not know about? And another thing, how was he able to disregard my spell? I should’ve been able to drain his el- Wait, could it be? My magic was weakened, all this time fighting and using magic had caused my mane to lose it’s ethereal nature. I felt, weak beyond compare. All this fighting, she knew it would drain me! She knew I would eventually wear myself down to the point where I couldn’t stand against his spell. She also lured me here, knowing that the ponies here would stand and fight alongside him. All this time, she knew he would discover a way to unlock that power. In my attempts to isolate him here to destroy the stallion, she knew that he would be far enough away so that no changeling could interfere. She used my own plan against me. She...Celestia...my daughter....you’ve beaten me... I, as a father, could never be more proud, my little sunshine... CRASH!!!! ____________________________________________________________ Perspective: Private Eye When it was over we all collapsed on the tower roof. I sighed in relief. Pinkie then subsequently sprung to her hooves. “That was AMAZERIFFIC! First you were all ‘Bleh! I’m dead!’, and we were all ‘Oh no! Private’s dead!’, Then Twilie’s all saddy waddy, then AJ and Dashie see Lunard, an’ they’re all GRRR!, and he’s all GRRRR, and Twilie’s all ‘He’s MINE!’, and you guys wailed on him, and I blasted him with my party cannon, then... Private is ALIIIIVE! WHOO! And he goes up in the air, and out comes this LIGHT, WHOOSH! Then Private sends beams to us, and kisses Twilie, and this big ball of light comes out, and BOOOOOOM! Lunie goes DOOOOOOWN!” “Can we say,” Rainbow said, sitting up. “Best win EVER?” “I do believe it was quite the victory darlings,” Rarity said, and then glared at me. “I do believe you’ve left quite a lot of work for me, Private, your coat is in tatters.” I chuckled nervously and said, “Could just make a new one...” Rarity’s eyes glowed. “Oh yes! IDEEA!!” She then went on chatting to herself of how the new design will be and I quote “Spectacular, heroic and fabulous!” “Hey, where’d that Lunard fella go?” AJ asked, looking over the edge. We all walked toward it and looked down at the mist. Twilight narrowed her eyes. “I can’t see anything from here. who knows how far it goes?” Fluttershy looked concerned. “I just hope he didn’t hurt himself too much in the-” We all gave Fluttershy a flat look. “Just a thought.” “Now now, no need to be too hard on her, darlings,” Rarity explained. “She is the Element of Kindness, after all, and a big part of kindness is empathy. True he was an enemy, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t use our empathy.” Rarity subsequently went back to her thoughts about my coat. “Well, at least he’s taken care of,” Rainbow added. “Wherever he is.” “Yeah we should all be-” I was cut off when Twilight practically tackled me to the ground. I looked up at my now Alicorn marefriend as she looked down at me. She slowly smiled, “It seems even death can’t keep you away huh?” “Nah,” I said, running a hoof on her cheek. “I have too many reasons to stay alive.” She then lowered her head, her lips moving towards mine, ignoring the girls giggles and just focusing on me... It...rained... I felt the drops of water come down on all of us. Everfree’s weather works on it’s own without Pegasi influence. Twilight held her wings up to shelter us two. Rarity complained (not whined) about her mane getting wet. AJ chuckled at her drama and Pinkie began splashing about in the newly forming puddles. Rainbow looked up at the sky and groaned, “Ugh, this is why I hate coming here. It’s like the weather is saying ‘ha ha you can’t control me’.” She then went over to act as an umbrella for Fluttershy. I slowly got out from under Twilight, and looked up at the rain falling on my hat and muzzle. I smiled. “Private?” Twilight asked, coming to sit beside me “You okay?” After a while, I said, “I’ve never felt better in my whole life.” It just...seemed fitting. “I’m singing, in the rain! I’m singing in the rain! Oh what glorious feeling I’m happy again!” I sang, taking Twilight’s hooves and dancing with her. We all laughed and danced in the rain, celebrating our victory at last. Rain, you have crazy timing...but are definitely welcome... I like the rain. ______________________________________________________________________ Perspective: Voidera We teleported as the rain started over Everfree. The forest was gloomy, yet strangely welcoming in the rain. The drops dripped from the limbs, and soaked into the thirsty ground, and the whole forest seemed more... well... alive. Tia and I walked in the rain, our weakened magic casting a shield to keep us dry. I looked over at her. “They did it.” “I knew they would,” Tia said proudly. “They are my student and her friends after all.” “Luna is recovering now,” I told her. “The doctors said she should be ready for duty again in a few days. Her magic may take longer to recover as she hasn’t returned to full power.” “So long as she is with us I am happy,” Tia replied, smiling. “She made me very proud today. I only hope she will recover swiftly and safely.” “We’re here, Tia,” I declared, moving aside some bushes to where we knew he would land. And there he was. His mane looked like an ordinary mane now, his armor was dented and scorched, and there were marks from what looked like a serious beating. He even looked like he’d taken a cannon blast, point-blank. His breathing, though, was shallow, and he did not wake up when we approached. It was...hard to see such a stallion I once admired come to this state. Tia was taking it the hardest, walking slowly to her father and finally sitting down beside him. Her voice wavered a little, she was obviously holding back tears as the rain came down. “Fa-father...?” Slowly, Lunard opened his blue eyes, he looked up weakly at Tia, and smiled. “You, you’ve made me p...proud...” He then fell back down, Tia caught him in her forelegs. I walked to him as Tia held the king. He looked at me, his eyes weak but he was still there. “Voidera, take, care of her. I always knew, that you would be the one...for her.” I fought tears myself at this, and simply said, “I am happy, to finally be able to call you father as well.” Lunard smiled and his eyes closed gently. Tia and I looked at each other, our horns glowing respectively. We touched Lunard’s horn and his breathing became even. Tia looked at me. “He’s had the miasma in him for far longer than Luna had it. It could take him months to even be able to walk again.” “The best we can do my love,” I soothed, putting a hoof on Tia’s shoulder, “Is make him as comfortable as we can. For all he’s done, he was a good stallion. We can hope he can be the same again.” Tia smiled, and looked up at the tower above us. “Hope, a very fitting name.” ___________________________________________________________________ Ladies and gentle stallions! Fillies and Colts prepared to be astounded, bedazzled, and otherwise, stupefied, I’m Vinyl Scratch! Here me and obey! Oh sorry, got a little power hungry there. Vinyl, just once I’d like this to be done professionally. Yeah yeah, I AM being professional. It’s part of the whole radio personality gig, Octy. Gotta keep them entertained. I do so question how the youth of Equestria find this entertaining. Whatever, let’s get to the smexy news already! Very well *ahem* following the attacks last Sunday both Canterlot and Ponyville have recovered from the damages suffered during the Changeling attack. Geez, I don’t think any insurance company has a ‘changeling attack’ policy. I think it comes under ‘Attacks upon Equestria by mystical forces’... That sort of started after the whole Nightmare Moon thing. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the ponies involved reconstruction went without too many hitches. Yeah if you all wanna donate to help the families recover from the attack just make a call, operators are standing by for as long as I can bribe them with cookies. Anyways, a memorial service was held Wednesday to commemorate those who fought in the battle. I have confirmed that there were no deaths, but many are still injured from the battle. In other news, turns out Twilight is getting that coronation after all! Today she’s getting a ceremony and everything. Despite many stuck ups in Canterlot, no offense Octy. None taken. Who tried to cancel the ceremony in lieu of the attacks. But the most awesomest Princess Celestia has said that she would hold the ceremony as a celebration of victory. How cool is that? Very admirable, despite the loss and clean up she’s still wanting to have us look to the future. The ceremony is to be held within the hour at Canterlot Castle. Okay, that about wraps up our news for today. Hmm, it seems we have a lot of air time left. Well the rest of the news is done, wanna make out? VINYL WE ARE ON AIR!!!! *Crash, swearing, yelling and other things not suitable for young viewers* “Until next time this is Vinyl Scratch, bringing you the truth,” *Sword unsheathes* “No matter how...bad it hurts me... Octy. C’mon, Octy. You don’t want to cut me to bits, do you? Who would give you those backrubs you like so much?” _____________________________________________________________ Perspective: Private Eye So here it is. The coronation. Twilight is going to become a princess. The square is it’s usual ornate self, with a few bits of damage here and there, everypony’s dressed in their best outfits... Wow, Twilight looks awesome in that dress, and the singing is pretty good, too. I’m standing with the others, as we watch the whole thing unfold. This time I’m with my beloved. She’ll have my support, every step of the way. I smiled wide as she stepped up and looked over at me. A silent message passed between our eyes. Twi, I’m here for you now. There’s nopony I’d rather have with me at this point in my life. I love you, I love you too I then watched as Spike came up, crown in his claws. Thankfully Celestia and Voidera had it triple checked for miasma or any other malicious spells and luckily this one is clean. Twilight lowered her head as Celestia took it in her magic. I saw nothing but pride in the eyes of the princess. Luna was beside me as well, smiling at Twilight, although...did a look of envy pass just now...? I refocused as Celestia declared, “By the powers vested in me, I now pronounce you...” She lowered the crown onto Twilight’s head. “Princess Twilight Sparkle!” Everypony cheered loudly including me and the girls. After a long bout of cheering for Twilight, Twilight held a hoof to silence them. When they did she was taken aback. “Wow, that’s kind of cool,” She said to herself. I stifled a laugh. She then cleared her throat and said, “I am deeply honored by this, I could not have gotten here without the most amazing friends in the world. I will do my very best to be the princess Equestria needs during this time.” She then, turned to me and gestured with her hoof for me to come. I walked over to her, feeling Silverwolf’s weight at my side as I walked to her. I lowered my head gently as she said, “As my first act as Princess of Equestria, I will perform something that should’ve been done long ago. Private Eye has been at my side for a year now, he has asked for nothing for his bravery and courage in the face of evil. Today, I give him the honor whether he likes it or not.” She and I smiled at each other. I looked to my side and saw Silver Wolf being pulled from it’s sheath. Voidera fixed her up and for some reason was rather insistent I bring it to the ceremony. I looked at Twilight as she took my blade in her magic. I caught on to what was going on, and kneeled before her. She smiled and put the sword to my shoulder. “By the powers vested in me, as Princess of Equestria, I now dub thee, Sir Preventus Phelps Eye. Knight of Equestria.” She tapped my other shoulder with my sword. The crowd slowly cheered again as I rose and took the sword from Twilight. I wanted to kiss her right then in there, but the formality of the ceremony stopped that. I just smiled and said, “I will guard Equestria with my life, I would do it for no other, Twilight.” She smiled in turn as Celestia came forward. The girls gathered around the princess as Celestia spoke, “You all have sacrificed so much in this, I thank you all for what you’ve done for this nation. May the Elements of Harmony never ever break.” We all smiled, Celestia then walked to Applejack. “Any damages to the Sweet Apple Acres farm have been paid in full Applejack.” AJ looked in shock. “Princess, thank ya, ah mean it.” Celestia smiled and then walked to Pinkie Pie. “Your love Swarm, for his admirable efforts in the fight to save Ponyville, is now on his way to becoming a full citizen of Equestria.” “Swarmy!” Pinkie cheered happily, I saw the Changeling the crowd, smiling happily as Pinkie waved excitedly to him. Celestia then walked to Rarity. “I do believe, that Twilight will need quite a few outfits as a princess. I can think of no other place then Carousel Boutique. When you are ready Rarity, I’d be more than happy to open a shop here in Canterlot.” Rarity’s jaw dropped. “A shop, here in a..ey aye aye!” She was about to faint before AJ caught her, we all laughed a little at Rarity’s reaction. The Princess then turned to Fluttershy. “I do believe you will find that the animals in my garden will be far kinder to you dear Fluttershy.” The pegasus gave a warm smile, “I only hope they will like me this time.” “You managed to convert Discord, I doubt you will have much trouble.” Celestia smiled. “Speaking of which,” Discord grinned, suddenly appearing out of nowhere. “There’s still the matter of me.” “Indeed,” Celestia said sternly. Discord sighed. “Well, I guess it’s back to being under guard I guess.” “Discord, I don’t think you understand,” Celestia smiled “As of now, I am fully releasing you.” Discord looked genuinely shocked. “Well, now that was quite unexpected, why the change?” “A certain friend of yours told me of how you sacrificed yourself to buy them time,” The sun princess said, “Because of that, I am willing to extend you an offer of freedom, provided you do not cause harm to ponies anywhere.” “Wait, so,” Discord pondered this. “I’m free!” He suddenly started zooming all over the place cheering happily “I’m free! I’m free at last! Celebration time!” He snapped his fingers... And suddenly we were a mariachi band, sombrero and all. Discord danced as we all glared at them. “Aww well, it was worth a shot.” He snapped his fingers and all was made right. He then summoned a suitcase. “I’m hitting the road! I’m off to see the wor-” He stopped, and looked over at Fluttershy. The pegasus flew up to him and said, “Take care, Discord, you do deserve a little happiness.” Discord, smiled genuinely. “Take care, Fluttershy, take care.” With that, he zoomed out a open window and into the sky outside. He laughed out loud and cheered to the world his newfound freedom. Celestia then walked to Rainbow Dash, the cyan pegasus smirked, “Go ahead, tell me how awesome I am.” “Actually, somepony else has that honor,” Celestia grinned. “Who?” “Me of course, rookie.” Rainbow slowly turned around to see Spitfire standing there, clad in her wonderbolt suit. Rainbow stifled a squeal and stood firmly. “Uh ma’am! Great to see you!” Spitfire chuckled. “Relax Dash, I’m off duty.” She smiled and walked up to Rainbow. “Heard about some of the stuff you did today, mighty impressive.” “Uh, thanks ma’am,” she said, standing stiff but probably screaming inside. “I expect to see you bright and early tomorrow at the academy, gonna have you seeing you put all that power to work.” Rainbow smiled wide as Spitfire returned to the crowd. She turned back to Celestia and said, “Okay, no reward necessary, I’m good.” “I thought that would be something you would desire,” Celestia said with a light musical laugh. She then walked to me. “Private, you’ve probably suffered the greatest because of Lunard targeting you. If there is any reward at all, anything you desire, I will make it so.” I looked down, pondered what exactly I wanted. I knew what I needed, more then anything. “Tailspin,” I said, looking up at Celestia. “He’s, in a wheelchair, the reward I want is that he receives the best care possible.” “Done,” Celestia smiled, but then she frowned. “But, that is not a reward for yourself. Is there anything I can specifically give you?” I pondered again, and then slowly smirked, “The only thing I could want Celestia...” I paused for a moment and met her eyes. “You can’t possibly give me.” Celestia looked taken aback, then saw the look in my eyes and smiled, “And what, pray tell, is this thing that I cannot possibly give you?” “An answer to a question,” I said, closing my eyes. “A question that I have been hoping to hear answered for a long time. You can’t answer it Celestia.” I slowly turned to look at Twilight. “Only Twilight can.” Twilight, naturally, looked confused, but the other girls seemed to catch on. They all grinned at each other, then as a unit shoved Twilight over to me. Fluttershy looked glassy eyed at us, Rarity had pulled out a hoofkerchief from somewhere, and was holding it up to her muzzle. Applejack stood there beaming, while Rainbow Dash had this stoic look in her face that showed her determination not to get sappy. Pinkie finally couldn’t take it any more and shoved Twilight towards me. “Go on!” Twilight almost tripped but regained her footing as she looked at me. Her eyes showed confusion, typical Twilight. I then let out a breath, and said the words I’ve wanted to say for a long time. "Twilight, this year has been the best in my life. Mainly because it's because I've gotten to know you. I love everything about you, your beauty, your intelligence, your kind heart, your talent with magic. You, outshine me in every possible way. But, the fact you would want to be with a stallion like me, has made me feel truly blessed to have met you. I love you more than anything this world can offer. And...I just have one question to ask you...." Twilight’s eyes grew wide, as she suddenly realized just what I was asking. She sat on her haunches, covering her muzzle with her forehooves, tears welling in her eyes. I slowly reached into my suit jacket, and pulled out the small black box that I kept close to my heart for weeks now. I got down on one knee. “Twilight Annemarie Sparkle,” I used my magic to levitate the box and open it up, revealing Spike’s ring. “Will you marry me?” Twilight blinked rapidly, beaming at me. She tried to say something, but it seemed that she couldn’t get anything past a lump on her throat. Finally she just glomped me, hugging me tight, nodding. “Yes,” she whispered. She then got a bit louder. “Yes.” Then finally, she cried, “Yes! Yes! Yes! I will!” I grinned wide and hugged her tightly as the crowd cheered a third time, roaring and whooping at the answer. I held Twilight tightly and kissed her in front of the crowd. I heard AJ sniffling, “Private and Twi, *sniff* gettin hitched at last.” “It’s just so...” Rarity broke down fully into tears, her hoofkerchief discarded, and she clinging to Fluttershy, who just held her, patting her back, a smile, and tears of her own falling. “Must, not...get sappy,” Rainbow panted, as a single tear fell from her eye. Pinkie was crying already, before suddenly getting out of it and saying, “I am going to throw you guys the best engagement party EVER!” She then went back to unleashing a waterspout of tears. “YES YES FINALLY!!!” I heard a voice yell from the crowd, Twilight and I looked and saw Cadence had shot up and was practically dancing in the air, Shining was trying his best to contain his wife’s excitement. Twilight and I looked back at each other, we nuzzled each other before getting back on our hooves. I saw Celestia approaching us, I could see the hints of tears on her eyes. She wiped them away. “Forgive me, I am simply happy for both of you. I, would like a favor from both of you.” “What is that Pri-” Twilight stopped, realizing her rank. “I mean, Celestia.” The sun princess smiled. “Allow me to oversee plans for the wedding, I also wish to be the one to wed both of you.” Twilight and I looked at each other, I then looked at Celestia. “If it’s, not too much to ask, I think Twilight and I agree our wedding should be at Ponyville.” “Ponyville?” Celestia asked, raising an eyebrow. Twilight took my hoof. “It’s our home, it just feels fitting we should be married there. Also think of how it would help the town.” Celestia nodded. “Done, the preparations will begin immediately.” “Twilight!” Rarity cried, temporarily looking away from her tear sponge that was Fluttershy. “If you do not let me design your wedding dress I will lock you in a closet and you’ll never marry Private!” Twilight smiled, “I wouldn’t want anypony else.” “Very well.” Rarity then went back to crying into Fluttershy. Twilight and I simply laughed. ______________________________________________________________ Two days later... It had been a good day. Twilight and I had taken a picnic dinner out to our favorite field, and had a nice quiet meal, talking about just little things, before Luna brought out the stars, and we sat there, stargazing, and generally enjoying one another’s company. It was nice not to have a world-saving sort of adventure to worry about. Or even something as ordinary as a case of... well... anything. Used to be, I hated the lulls between cases, but now... Now I could appreciate them. Twilight and laid on our backs in the grass. The stars were above us as we talked. Twilight pointed up, “Okay, that one is Draco, and there’s Norma over there” “One of these days I’ll get all of them right,” I said as we both laughed. Twilight then stopped laughing, and rolled on her side to look at me. “Lots of things are going to change huh?” “Yeah,” I said, rolling to face her. “Private,” she said, looking at me. “Can I ask you something?” “You can ask me anything Twilight,” I smiled. “My wings,” She said, lifting one up. “Do you um,” she blushed as she thought of the way to put it. “Like them?” I looked at the lavender colored wing as it set against the background of the night sky. I scooted over, and reached a hoof to touch it. Twilight stifled a giggle as I ran my hoof along the very soft feathers. “Twi, if anything I think they make you look more beautiful.” “Thanks,” she said, kissing my nose. “I’m glad, I was worried you’d think I was, too exotic or something. I’m still not used to all the stares I get back home.” “Twi, if there is one thing I learned throughout this crazy adventure,” I started, putting a hoof on her chest, “Is that, I can’t pick how I want the pony I love to be. You’re going to change, you’re going to grow and so am I. But, that’s what real love is all about. Compromise and figuring out how to make it all work.” She then laid her wing on me, pushing me to her with it. She put her head on my chest and nuzzled into it. I embraced her as she snuggled in. “Private, I turned away from immortality so I could live a life with you.” She looked up into my eyes. “Let’s make it the best life we can make it.” “That’s the best life, isn’t it?” I smiled. “Life is greatest when it’s shared with ponies you love,” Twilight quoted. “Where’d you hear that?” I asked, looking at her. “Some cute stallion,” she said, smiling at me. “He thinks he’s really smart so he says stuff like that all the time and never bothers to write it down.” “For notes are the key to any master scholar,” I quoted in turn, “That I heard from some really pretty unicorn turned princess.” We both laughed, Twilight then looked into my silver eyes and said, “Preventus, I love you.” I held her to me, and said, “I love you too, Twilight. Never forget that ever.” I wondered if it was all a dream. I’d wake up and find myself back at my crappy apartment in Manehatten and go back to my dead end job as a private detective. Staring out into the rain wondering when the hell I’d be able to pay my bills. But, as I held Twilight that notion was thrown out the window. For I could never possibly imagine this adventure with her. Nor could I ever imagine that I would fall for such a mare, and end up engaged to her. Twi, thank you, thank you for changing my life in ways I could never possibly put to words...Maybe...I’ll get Tailspin to write a story about this... Chapter 1 "Escape from Canterlot"Equestria Noir Case 25 “Endgame” By Jacoboby1 and ShatteredIllusions Chapter 1 “Escape from Canterlot” I looked defiantly back into Lunard’s cold blue eyes as he glared at me. I felt like my entire soul was being searched by those eyes. I saw nothing but cold scorn and hatred from him. Why did he despise me so? Had one of my ancestors wronged him in some way? It didn’t matter now as I stood with my other elements before him. He just declared he wanted to kill me. My life had been threatened before, but never had an Alicorn wanted to personally kill me. He took a step towards me but Celestia stepped in front of him. “You will keep your hooves away from my subject!” “Oh, have you taken a pet, Celestia?” Lunard said, his tone resembling that of a father chastising a child. “You know we cannot take in strays.” “You will not harm any of my subjects,” Celestia said. She then grabbed her dress in her magic and ripped it off. Before my very eyes golden armor began to form on Celestia. It replaced her coronation dress and covered almost her entire body, leaving only her head exposed. She glared at her father “Your fight is with me, Father, let's keep it that way.” “Stand aside, Celestia,” Lunard commanded, brandishing his blade. “I do not wish to harm you. My quarrel is with the tainted one.” “You will not touch him,” she declared. “Maybe not, but the ground might…” he replied coldly. Suddenly I was wrapped in an aura of blue magic. I struggled as I was lifted into the air like paper. I was thrown against the window, the crowd gasped as I braced myself. I crashed through the window, and fell quickly down to earth… I watched the guard’s sword from before fall down ahead of me. This guy really wanted to kill me. I looked around, and saw a banner sticking out of the castle walls. I grabbed it in my teeth and hung there. I heard a large commotion from above but focused mainly on hanging onto the banner. Was this it? Was I going to die here? Just what did he want with me! I heard a rip, and saw with wide eyed horror that a tear had formed in the banner. My weight was causing the fabric to break. I tried to grab hold with my hooves somehow but eventually it gave way. I plummeted towards the ground screaming as I fell. “PRIVATE!!!!!” I heard a voice call from above. I looked up and Twilight was diving towards me, her new wings spread to their full length. I, never realized how great she looked with wings until now. But wait, did Twilight know how to fly? “Twi,” I yelled, “close your wings and then spread them when you grab hold of me! Keep yourself as small as possible!” “Since when did you know how to fly?” Twilight asked, following my instructions. “My mom taught flight school!” I said, looking back at the ground. “Less talking, more saving Private!” She made herself more aerodynamic and dived faster towards me. She held out her hooves and grabbed me around the chest just as I was about to hit the ground. She then spread her wings and caught the updraft, sending us flying upward. I held onto Twilight for dear life as we flew. She looked at me and said, “I’m not going to lose you again, Private”. She the flapped her wings as we flew back up to where I was thrown out. Suddenly Twilight’s wings began flapping faster. She suddenly looked very tired. “Didn’t think that flying, would be, so hard…” she panted. Just as Twilight’s wings were about to give way she was caught by Rainbow. I was soon grabbed by Luna from behind. Rainbow looked at Twilight and said, “Alright, after this, flight training.” “Agreed,” Twilight said with a tired nod. “Where’s Lunard?” “My sister and Voidera are challenging him at the moment,” Luna explained, holding me. “We do not have much time. We need to get to the Elements right now. If father gets his hooves on them all hope is lost.” “He can use the Elements of Harmony?” I asked, fear in my voice. “Pray that we do not find out,” Luna replied, she spread her wings and flew up back to where I fell out. Twilight and I hopped off our respective fliers and saw the commotion going on in the room. Most of the crowd had left, and if they hadn’t already they were trying to run out as quick as they could. Celestia was wielding an ivory and gold lined spear that was clashing with Lunard’s blade. Once again I marveled at the skill that Celestia held as she twirled and stabbed the spear at the former king. Lunard, however, was holding his own, swinging that giant sword like it was made of foam. Celestia blocked an attack and looked at us. “Luna! Take the Elements and get out of here!” she cried frantically. “But Sister,” Luna cried. “That’s an order, Luna!” Voidera called, coming at Lunard from behind with his black and red lined sword. Lunard expertly blocked Voidera’s blade with his armored hoof and swung it around, almost hitting Celestia before she ducked. Luna looked at us and commanded, “Come on!” I was about to follow, but I looked back at the portal that Lunard came through. Before my very eyes changelings started pouring out from it. Only, they weren’t the same as the last time I'd seen a swarm. As opposed to green being a prominent color on them, these Changelings had blue linings on their black chitin and their eyes seemed to glow with an unearthly malice. Rainbow groaned. “Not those things again!” A changeling landed in front of me and I gave him a swift buck to the face. “Come on let’s get out of here!” I cried. We ran out of the room, the crowd having left already. Luna led us through the halls as the guards engaged the changelings outside. I heard the sounds of gunfire, magic, and clashing blades as we ran through the halls. We galloped inside the hall of stained glass that I'd only been to a few times before. I looked up at the stained glass windows depicting every major accomplishment we elements had done so far. Several of the windows were broken, however, as a result of the small swarm of Changelings in front of us. They bared their fangs at my friends and I. Crouching down into a battle stance, I prepared to fight them off. One leapt at us, but landed face first against a barrier that suddenly appeared around us. I turned around and saw Shining Armor, still clad in his red formal uniform, galloping up to us. Cadence was by his side. “I’m glad you’re all okay!” the Princess of Love cried. “No time for pleasantries, dear niece,” Luna replied, looking at Cadence. “You must get reinforcements from the Crystal Empire, now!” “Why can’t she and her husband just use that mega love spell again?” AJ asked, as the Changelings started pounding on Shining’s barrier. “We tried,” Cadence answered sadly, “but, they don’t seem to be feeding on love, watch!” Her horn glowed a pale blue and a tiny heart came from it. The heart passed through the barrier and went towards a changeling. It eyed the heart for a minute, nibbled on it with it’s teeth then... spat it out. “When we tried using the magic from before it didn’t work,” Shining explained. “I think Lunard’s changed them somehow. .” “We will handle them,” Luna said, looking at the couple. “You two must return to the Crystal Empire and bring back reinforcements. I will use a spell to send you both there.” “What about you, Aunt Luna?” Cadence asked. Luna gave her niece a look and said, “I will follow my sister’s wishes.” She then brought Cadence and Shining Armor’s horns to touch her own. Twilight looked at her brother for a minute and said, “Stay safe BBBFF.” “You too, LSBFF,” Shining replied smiling at her fondly. Soon the couple vanished, and with it Shining’s barrier that had held back the small group of changelings. I turned and fired Blackbird into the shoulder of one before it got too close. “Luna, get the door!” I yelled. Luna nodded and flew over the swarm as they charged at us. All seven of us elements clashed with the changelings. I saw Applejack putting her bucking skills to good use. She turned around and bucked a pair of Changelings out a nearby window. Rainbow slammed her hoof into a Changeling as another tried to ambush her from behind. The changeling soon saw the error of his ways, in the form of a swift kick to the face, provided by Rarity. Twilight and I stood back to back as we were surrounded by the black creatures. She looked at them and observed, “They aren’t transforming like before, something’s wrong with them.” “Less study, more bashing!” I said, shooting a Changeling in the wing before it could get to Twilight. Twilight looked at a pair of changelings charging at her. She concentrated her magic and the pair were captured in her telekinesis. She smiled and exclaimed, “Wow, it’s never been this easy before!” She then threw the changelings into a trio that were about to get at Fluttershy. Fluttershy was about to be hit by another Changeling, before the ever terrifying power of the Stare was unleashed on him. The Changeling blinked after a bit, and found he was staring into the barrel of Pinkie’s party cannon. The Pink party pony smirked and said, “Bye bye.” She then fired the cannon and sent the bug flying. Luna managed to get to the door and unlock it with her horn. The door opened to reveal all six elements of Harmony. I noticed mine wasn’t among them. Then again, it had a habit of appearing on it’s own. Aj and Rainbow knocked together the heads of the remaining two Changelings. “Jus' when ya think we’re done with bugs,” Aj said, shaking her head. Twilight walked to an unconscious Changeling and ran her horn over it. “How odd,” she muttered. “What’s up, Twilight?” Rainbow asked as Luna put the Elements in a chest. “This doesn’t make sense, they were altered somehow,” Twilight replied, looked at us. “Something has changed them. They can’t transform, and they don’t feed on love. Who would change them like this, and why?” “Maybe they remembered the last time they invaded Canterlot,” I suggested. “Even if that's true, being able to transform would still be affective,” Rarity pointed out. “Let us not dwell on this too long, my subjects,” Luna said, hoofing Twilight the chest containing the Elements. “Take these and leave this place.” “Now hold on there, Princess,” AJ interjected. “We can’t just abandon Canterlot.” “My sister and Voidera have fought father before,” Luna said firmly. “They will be able to stop him, but we cannot risk him getting his hooves on the Elements.” “I’m still wondering how he got the Changelings on his side,” Twilight said, putting a hoof to her chin. “A small price to pay for revenge,” an evil voice answered from behind me. We all turned to see Chrysalis standing there. She had the same blue markings as her Changelings, and was adorned in the same blue armor that I'd seen one or two of her swarm wearing. She grinned evilly at us and said, “Long time no see, ponies.” Rainbow smacked her hooves together menacingly. “Just what did you do to your changelings?” she demanded to know. “I did nothing. It was all my Master's doing,” she replied, laughing. “He has granted my people untold power. We are no longer weakened by the emotion of Love. We now feed on a far more delectable emotion, fear…” “That’s why Cadence’s spell didn't work,” Twilight interjected. “Quite perceptive, lapdog. Now, there is more than enough fear to overpower your pathetic race. Once Lunard has defeated your Princess he will allow us Changelings to rule here. Now that he has granted us this power, we no longer need to transform. Our true forms are more than enough to inspire fear,” Chrysalis bragged. “You’re sick!” I yelled. “We’ll never let you rule! I know exactly what your little alternation will result in! Nothing more than a stagnant race that refuses to let love in!” “You are speaking to your future queen, pony,” she said with a smirk. “You should show some respect.” “I’d never bow down to you!” I yelled. “Now you got seven elements of Harmony to deal with!” My friends gathered around me, all except for Luna. “Do you not wish to join, Princess of Wasted Space?” Chrysalis mocked. I was going to squash this bug! “Private, get to Ponyville with the others,” Luna commanded. She walked in front of us, and I felt her slip something into my trench coat pocket. I looked up at her as she strode forward. Her horn glowed and a blue lined scythe appeared out of nowhere. She held it along her back and said, “I will stall her, and we will meet up later.” “Luna, n-“ Before I could finish my sentence, Luna’s horn glowed and everything turned to black. ___________________________________________________________ Perspective: Voidera I clashed blades with Lunard, my magic wavering only for a millisecond as we did. It was becoming harder and harder to maintain control. My blade, Elucidator, was no match for Lunard’s Moonsunder. I knew it was only a matter of time before it broke and I had to rely on… other methods. He gave me a long look and said “You’ve grown, Voidera. I remember when you could barely lift anything with your magic. Now look at you, once again betraying the stallion that took you in and raised you.” “Shut up!” I said, raising my blade to swing at him. He dodged and swung his blade, hitting me across my dragon wing, I roared in pain and opened my mouth wide, firing a jet of flame at him. This caused him to leap back. Tia came to my side, her armor was dented in some areas and her wing looked injured, but she was still holding her spear decently. She looked at Lunard and said, “Stop this, father! Voidera and I have no wish to fight you!” “As naïve as you were fifteen hundred years ago, my precious sunshine,” Lunard said, using Tia’s filly hood name. I would’ve laughed at the use on any other day. But right now, I know he was just mocking the mare I loved. “I watched your kingdom, it is a joke compared to the Alicorn age. Fifteen hundred years and your people have yet even to discover alchemy.” “For good reason!” I growled “You know the dangers that can come from introducing that power to the wrong ponies.” “So, you exchange it for dark magic?” Lunard said, looking at Tia. She just maintained her glare. “Don’t think me a fool, my daughter,” Lunard said. “I know exactly what is inside Private’s element. It is tainted with the power of darkness, inherent in his line. You should’ve taken my advice and drowned the whole lot of them when you had the chance.” “I refused to murder innocent children because you failed to listen to Faust!” Celestia said, brandishing her spear. “It was her fault our race died!” Lunard cried, madness in his eyes. “The Faust you speak of was a liar, nothing more than a cheap prophet who sought to weaken our proud race. Now, you let the mongrels run free on this world. I cannot allow that any longer, my daughter.” I braced myself as he charged towards us… __________________________________________________________ Perspective: Luna I swung my scythe down on Chrysalis, ready to slice this foul beast in half. Her horn glowed a sickly blue and she summoned a cruel looking black dagger and blocked my blade. I glared at her and cried, “You dare strike twice in my home!” “Your home?” Chrysalis grinned “Here I thought Celestia was going to someday charge you rent.” “I will not let you touch Private or the others!” I yelled, bringing the scythe up again and knocking her with the butt end of it. Her guards tried to interfere but one blast of my magic sent them flying. I grunted at the effort. I already used so much sending the others to safety. I glared at Chrysalis as she held the dagger in her magic. “Oh, so that’s what this is all about? You’ve grown soft for the detective,” she sneered. “Be silent!” I said, swinging the scythe, this time I managed to cut the foul being across the cheek. Green blood flowed from her cheek and she screeched in pain. She grinned at me and asked, “You never told your sister what you were doing during the invasion were you? I’m surprised nopony made the connection.” “What do you want from me?” I yelled at her. “To admit, that the reason you left your sister was because the wedding day was Nocturne’s birthday by pure coincidence,” she said, a grin on her face. Nocturne, my love from a thousand years ago, who Private resembles. “That’s why you weren’t there. Because you spent the whole day hiding in that tower wondering if your precious love chose immorality. You couldn’t stand to be at that wedding because of the one you never had.” “Silence!” “Dear Luna, it seems to be fate that so many would leave you,” she said with a cruel smile. “I’ll make sure to give your dear Private’s corpse, special treatment once Lunard is through with him.” “You will not touch him!” I said, my eyes glowing with fury. “So, you do care for him. You can’t be with your precious Nocturne anymore, so you settle for the next best thing.” That’s it! I leapt at her, my scythe striking at her dagger, slicing it in half. Her eyes went wide. I then poured my magic into my scythe, causing it to glow with a blue light and swung it at her. The sword beam hit a bunch of Changelings that threw themselves in the path of their queen. She laughed. “You are skilled Luna, I will admit that much. But you are hindered by love, just as I was. You know you can’t win, my armies will continue to protect me no matter how many times to try to slay me.” I huffed, running a hoof through my mane as I felt for the first time in a long while, strands starting to form in my mane. I’ve used too much power, in my weakened state I could revert at any point. Damn Nightmare, why did you have to use so much? I only had to buy Private enough time to get the others out of here. So long as Chrysalis was focused on me, she wouldn’t hurt Private. My friend, be safe, while I try my best to stop her… Nocturne, would’ve wanted that. ___________________________________________________________ Perspective: Private Eye I let out a breath as the teleportation spell caused us to appear in a dark room. I shook my head to get the dizziness out of my head. Luna teleported us away? But where are we? I looked over and saw the others coming too. Rainbow shook her head. “I hate Teleporting, it feels like my head just got beaten over with a baseball bat.” “Where are we, Sugercube?” Aj asked. “Ah can’t rightly see anything.” “Hold on, guys,” Twilight’s voice said, I saw her horn glow and suddenly a sphere of light came into being. Twilight threw it into the air and the entire area was illuminated. Before our eyes, was an Airship… It wasn’t a large vessel, but it looked big enough to carry all of us. It’s hull was made of wood and lined with violet markings. It’s balloon was colored violet as well, hanging above it. I noticed a set of cannons were mounted on the port and starboard side. Pinkie smiled wide and cheered, “Aww, sweet! An Airship!” “I remember this vessel,” Rarity said. “I hit a bottle of champagne against it on its maiden voyage. It’s the S.S. Highwind, designed as the premiere in Airship technology.” She then looked at the cannons “So, I guess the rumors were true she got drafted as a military vessel.” “Aww, yeah!” Rainbow said smiling. “We could use this to give us an edge!” “One problem,” I pointed out. “Does anypony here know how to fly an Airship?” A silence answered my question. Twilight spoke up, “Um, I read a lot about Airship piloting during my studies on the Cloud Kingdoms.” “I guess it’s what we’ll have to go on,” AJ said with a sigh. “Alright, everypony aboard” Twilight said. We climbed the stairs up to the bridge. Pinkie immediately dove down below deck and cried, “Look at all these party cannons!” “Pinkie, those aren’t party canons!” Fluttershy said, chasing after her. I’m thinking she wants to stay down there during the flight. It’s probably best. “Alright,” Twilight said, removing her ruined dress and tossing it aside. “Rainbow you get up on top. Aj, you go downstairs and help Pinkie with the engines. Rarity, you stay by the balloon and make sure no leaks come up. Private and I will take the helm.” I walked up to the steering wheel of the ship. For some reason it felt, right, to be at the helm. I wonder, who among my ancestors was an airship pilot? Everypony went to their positions. Twilight stood beside me to act as navigator. She looked at me and said, “Private, about earlier...” “It’s okay, Twilight,” I said dismissively. “Save it for when we get out of here.” “If we don’t make it out of this…” She planted a kiss on my cheek. I smiled dumbly and heard small laughs from the rest of the crew. Rarity smiled. “Darlings, even when we face certain peril you are sweet to each other.” Twilight and I blushed. I knew I had less of a chance to marry her after the stunt I pulled. But, right now I had to focus on the battle at hoof. I wasn’t going to let Lunard get away with this. Nopony ruins my marefriend’s coronation on my watch. “Any words you wanna say, captain?” Twilight asked. I smiled and said, “Well, there are a set of words, known to inspire great power in many ponies” Twilight’s magic hit the switch and the doors before me began to open. “Words, that can inspire any crew to accomplish anything” “And what words are they?” I grinned as the sky was open before us. “ALLONS-Y!!!” With that, the ships thrusters were activated and we launched into the battle outside.
Chapter 2 "Flight of the Highwind"Chapter 2 “Flight of the Highwind” Perspective: Private Eye I steered the Highwind out into the battle outside. Everywhere the royal guard was locked into mortal combat with the changeling horde. The guards fared better than they did last time, what with not having to worry about the bugs transforming. I ducked as a changeling tried to knock me off. Twilight then fired a bolt of magic at the creature and sent him falling over the edge. “There’s too many of them!” “It’s only getting worse!” Rainbow called from above. “We got another of those portals opening up!” I looked ahead and saw what she was talking about. A blue portal was opening before my eyes and out of it came…a dragon? It was Shar’drel, the dragon who murdered Spike’s parents. The dragon who tried to ensure that Spike died as well. She was different now though, her black scales showed similar blue markings to those on the Changelings. Her eyes seemed, empty somehow. “Hard to starboard!” I cried, turning the ship around. Shar’drel roared a terrifying roar and Twilight held on for dear life to the railing. The ship barely dodged Shar’drel’s swoop and we started moving alongside her. “Pinkie, fire portside cannons!” I yelled. “Firing captain!” Pinkie yelled, the rest of us covered our ears as all three cannons fired at Shar’drel. The dragon got hit in the side by our barrage and seemed disoriented. I then yelled into the hold, “How are we doing on engines?” “Ah’m no expert Private,” Applejack called from below. “But Ah’d say we’re puttin’ her through her paces ere!” “She’s coming back!” Rainbow cried. I turned around and saw Shar’drel was flying straight towards us. Rarity glared at her and growled, “You beast! I will never forgive you for what you did!” She then climbed up to swivel gun mounted on the rear railing and aimed at Shar’drel. She fired and the cannon ball hit the dragon square in the face. Shar’drel roared loudly. It was then I remembered… “We forgot Spike!” I yelled in realization. “He’s probably at the castle!” Twilight said and began pointing. “Turn now and hurry!!!” “Turning now!” I yelled, turning the ship around towards the castle and heading full speed. “Oh dear, I seem to have made her quite angry,” Rarity said, pointing behind us. Twilight and I looked back as Shar’drel flew towards us, opening her jaws wide. “Private, move!!!” Twilight screamed as Shar’drel launched a fireball at us. I turned the ship just in time to avoid it. I made for a set of towers and flew between them. Good thing I was picking up on how to fly this thing otherwise this will be a really short trip. “Go, go, go!” Twilight yelled as Shar’drel started gaining on us. “Move to the le-no right!” “Twilight, I love you...” I turned to her. “But will you just let me drive!” “Guys!” Rainbow called. “Down on the bridge there!” All of us looked to see Spike running away from a group of changelings. He turned and fired a fireball at one as he stood on a bridge. It was pretty high up from the ground, he must’ve gotten lost in the chaos. “Spike!” Twilight called to get his attention. “Twilight!” Spike yelled. “Down here!” Before anything else could be said Rarity grabbed a nearby rope, tied it around herself and to a nearby railing and leaped off. I watched her use the momentum to swing into a changeling about to hit Spike. Rarity once again showed her fighting prowess by bucking a changeling that tried to grab her from behind. Spike looked on in awe for a minute but shook his head and blasted a changeling with a ball of fire. The bridge was clear and Spike went up to Rarity. “I’m glad I found you guys!” “I wasn’t about to leave you behind, my Spikey Wikey,” she said, hugging the dragon to her. Twilight and I couldn’t help but smile wide…but my smile soon faded. I saw a changeling, he was moving towards the couple while they were so enraptured in one another. Wait…a changeling killed Spike in the original history… This was when Spike died! I pulled out blackbird, aimed it at the changeling, and fired once. The bullet missed and the changeling screeched at the couple. Spike put himself in front of Rarity as the changeling lunged at them, fangs bared. Then Twilight leaped off the side of the ship, and slammed into the changeling. She started wailing on the bug. “Don’t you dare touch him! You will never hurt Spike!” When the changeling fell unconscious Twilight breathed a little and looked at Spike. The dragon ran to his mother/sister figure and held her tight. Twilight in turn embraced Spike as Rainbow and I started to pull up Rarity’s rope. Soon Spike, Twilight, and Rarity were all on the Highwind. Spike looked around in wonder. “Cool! I’ve never been on an airship before!” “Still not as cool as real flying,” Rainbow said, landing on the deck. “So what do we do now?” “Princess Luna ordered us to escape,” Twilight explained. “That’s probably why she got us to the ship.” “But where would we run to darling?” Rarity asked frantically. “We run back,” I said, walking to the steering wheel. “Private, are you crazy?!” Twilight screamed, running to me. “Princess Luna ordere-” “I know Twilight,” I said, looking at her. “But I made a promise to look after Luna. I’m not about to abandon a friend to become Changeling bait.” Twilight looked into my eyes, saw the sincerity in them, and nodded. “Alright, but we try to help Princess Celestia and Voidera too.” “That goes without saying,” I said, taking the steering wheel. “Uh, guys!” Rainbow pointed starboard. “Our old friend is back!” All of us looked on Shar’drel flying towards us. My eyes became pinpricks and I yelled, “Full speed ahead!” The thrusters fired and we found ourselves on the run from the dragon again. Spike glared back at Shar’drel. “I thought we beat her!” “Well apparently she’s seeking her revenge darling,” Rarity grumbled, hugging Spike close to her protectively. “I’m not about to let her hurt you again.” “Rarity…” Spike said, holding Rarity as the ship maneuvered around a set of towers. Shar’drel kept close to us and fired a ton of fireballs that luckily didn’t hit due to the small size of our vessel. “She’s gaining on us!” Rainbow cried from above. “Can’t you lose her?” Twilight asked me. “She’s going as fast as she can!” I explained, manuvering the vessel over a mansion where a group of guards were fighting with the swarm. “Guys, look!” Rainbow exclaimed. I looked on and streaks of fire and storm clouds were flying towards Shar’drel. The dragon only had a second to react as Spitfire flew towards her and punched the dragon in the muzzle. The dragon was disoriented as the Wonderbolts flew around her like flies over a corpse. Rainbow landed on deck and whooped, “Aww yeah! The Wonderbolts came to help us!” A wonderbolt landed on the ship’s deck. He was about my age with long blue hair that was streaked back. He lifted his goggles to reveal cheery green eyes. “Hey! Long-time no see Rainbow.” “Soarin!” Rainbow gushed. “Oh my gosh, it’s really you!” “Been a while since the gala,” Soarin said with a smile. “We heard about the attack on Canterlot and thought we’d lend our wings to the fight.” “It’s very welcome Soarin,” Twilight smiled at the pegasus stallion. “We are thankful for the assist.” “We’ll keep this freak off your back,” Soarin said, looking back on his teammates. He then gave me a salute. “Permission to disembark and kick some dragon tail?” I saluted the Wonderbolt. “Permission granted, good luck Soarin.” “Who needs luck?” he quipped, walking to the edge. “All I need is the wind at my back, and my teammates beside me.” With that he leaped off the edge and joined in the fight. “So awesome!” Rainbow gave a fan filly squeal. She then looked at me, “I’ll help them, they can use a flier like me!” She was about to fly out when I realized…Rainbow died around this time… I used my magic to grab Rainbow’s tail. She looked back at me. “What are you doing? I can help them!” “Rainbow we need you for the Elements of Harmony,” I said firmly. “But, I can’t just leave them either!” Rainbow argued, pointing at the flying group. “I know Rainbow,” Twilight said soothingly. “We’ll come back for them once we regroup somewhere else.” Rainbow slowly nodded. “Okay, for you guys I’ll listen.” Twilight and I were out of commission in the original timeline. By us being here we saved Rainbow from death and stopped the painful future that was originally to come. Now, it was time to save Luna… ______________________________________________________ Perspective: Luna I struggled as the Changelings piled on me. I tried to slice them but one of the insects took away my scythe. I was too weak at this point to fight back. My mane almost reverted completely to what it once was. It would take a month to regain the power lost. Right now though, I was practically pinned by these irritable changelings. Chrysalis laughed at my plight. “Oh what’s the matter your highness? Too tired to fight back?” “You wench!” I said, still struggling as the changelings held me down. “If I was at full power I could kill you with a glance!” “Brave words from such a little filly,” Chrysalis mocked. “You never could stack up to your sister. She at least brought a challenge. Why if I wasn’t so stacked up on love she would’ve killed me easily.” “Shut up!” I yelled. “The truth is you knew you had no chance against me,” Chrysalis chuckled. “You are and always will be, second rate. That’s why you teleported your dear elements away. But it’s only a matter of time before my army finds and makes them suffer.” “You will not harm them!” I growled. “And your precious Detective? Don’t worry, I won’t kill him, at least not until you can watch him suffer and die!” She laughed maniacally. Private, my friend… Please be safe, I’d never forgive myself if anything happened to you. Nocturne would never forgive me… BOOM!!! Suddenly the wall got blasted by a powerful explosive that sent the changelings on my back flying. I looked to the hole in the wall and saw Private and his friends on an airship. Good, my teleportation spell worked. The cannon fired again, this time aiming for the changeling queen who barely managed to dodge in time. The cannonball took out the wall behind her. I looked as Private leveled the deck with the hole in the wall. Hmm, it seems he knows how to fly it. I knew she was among his ancestors. It was only natural he would know it because she knew it. But even still, he ignored my orders! “Princess Luna, come on!” Private yelled. “I ordered you all to leave!” I yelled back. “I’m not about to leave a friend behind!” he argued. “I made a promise to a very old friend I would watch over you!” I looked into his grey eyes, and knew that he meant Nocturne. Even in death you watch over me my love, ever loyal indeed my stallion. I walked over to the gaping hole in the wall and hopped onto the deck. Tia was going to be mad once she heard of that. Now…time for…a nap… I collapsed onto the deck and heard voices all around me. I looked up at them, and smiled contently as I drifted off to slumber. I... had... friends… ______________________________________________________ Perspective: Voidera Tia and I leaped back as the battle wore on. We’d been fighting for what felt like hours. I breathed heavily as I looked on Lunard, he might not have shown it but he was just as weary. Tia beside me had suffered some wounds from the fight. Parts of her armor were discarded and her wing was broken from a sword strike. Her right eye also had a cut over it. Alicorn natural healing ability would help her recover her strength in time. As for me, I got a few cuts on my side, along with a nasty bruise on one of my hind legs. I would have to limp through the battle and that is never a good thing. Lunard came at us again, swinging Moonsunder down on Tia. I leapt in the way and blocked it with Elucidator. My blade cracked under the force of the blow. This sword won’t last forever. “Why do you hold back Voidera?” Lunard asked. “I know it is well within your power to defeat me.” “You were the one who always taught me restraint.” I said, grunting from the effort of holding back his blade. My magic was being strained. But I can’t use my full power on Lunard…I couldn’t. “But I also taught you to do what was necessary,” Lunard said. “Had you merely listened to me and did what I asked the cataclysm wouldn’t have happened. The false prophet wouldn’t have activated the spell and wiped the Alicorns from the planet. All you had to do to stop it was sacrifice the mongrels to my spell and all would have been saved.” “What was worth saving?” I snarled, glaring at him “A society that stagnated to the point when it would sacrifice it’s own children just to feel better?” “They are not Alicorn children; they are mongrels responsible for the destruction of our very way of life!” Lunard roared at me. “Maybe your way of life,” I said, grinning. “But it was never my way of life. You forget, I am a mongrel myself.” “Stop this pointless fighting Voidera,” Lunard chided, leering at me. “I know why you hold back, it is because you can’t bring yourself to kill me. Just like fifteen hundred years ago when you and I faced each other. You did not kill me, instead you sealed me away by tricking Discord.” I kept holding Moonsunder back as Lunard continued. “I know you; I know you have enough magical power within you to level this entire city.” Lunard’s voice was cold and calculating. “Yet you refuse to use it here, you can easily defeat me if you used your power. Yet you won’t, it’s not just because you hold useless sentiment towards me. It’s because you want to serve as a distraction. You wish to do it so that mongrel can escape.” “Private has nothing to do with this!” I roared, my eyes flashing. “Oh, has the mighty dragon gone soft?” Lunard mocked and then glared at me. “You know full well and why I hunt him! That mongrel holds dark magic within him! He should’ve been put down as a child before the taint could grow!” I gave him a long look and frowned. “He didn’t kill Solara…” Lunard’s eyes flashed with fury and he brought his blade up and slammed it down on mine. At that point the blade completely severed and I fell back as he began swinging madly at me. I can’t let him take his revenge out on Private! I have to give them enough time! I have…to use…this magic… My eyes glowed red as well as my horn. I crouched down and felt my body heal from it’s wounds. I roared as I felt claws come out of my hooves, destroying the white shoes I once had. I felt my fangs and teeth become larger and more deadly looking. I was about to unleash the fury on Lunard…. I flew at him with blinding speed and clawed at Lunard. He blocked the attack with Moonsunder, but claw marks left themselves on the blade. I roared and tried to skewer him with my horn. He yelled in pain as my horn pierced his armor and hit his shoulder. His own horn glowed blue and he fired a bolt of magic that hit me. I flew back and opened my mouth to unleash a torrent of flame at him. Lunard threw up a shield spell to protect from it. I then zoomed towards him and slammed my hind hooves into his armor, denting it and sending him flying to the wall. Lunard stood after recovering from the blow. I charged at him again, but this time Lunard was prepared. He lowered himself, and fired a beam of blue magic at me that sent me flying. I felt…the power…fade from me…as I lay on the ground. I used too much magic already, had I let it continue…nothing would’ve have stopped me from destroying everything. I felt my claws return into my hooves and my fangs return to normal. My fury form could only last for so long before I gave into my instinct to destroy everything. I hoped I bought them enough time. Lunard walked to me, and looked down in disappointment. “Still not willing to do what it takes. You always were a weak stallion.” He raised Moonsunder again, but cried out as Tia’s spear pierced his side. I watched my love dodge Lunard’s counter blow. She stood there, panting from the effort of the fight. Lunard looked at her with equal disappointment. “I had hoped I raised you better than this, Celestia.” “The father I knew would never call Voidera weak!” Celestia cried, glaring at Lunard. “Nor would he do anything like this! Voidera was practically a son to you! You raised and cared for him in that tower as your own! Does that mean nothing to you?!” “I know your feelings for him Celestia,” Lunard said. “You betrayed me by those feelings.” “I love him father!” Celestia cried. “There’s nothing that will ever change that! Fifteen hundred years I waited for him and never took another lover! I will fight for him with every fiber of my being because of that love!” Lunard looked at her for a long time, and then said, “You are truly like your mother. But you are also more like me then you realize.” “I’m like the old you,” Celestia said somberly. “Before mother’s death, you were a kind king who cared for the people. You may have been stoic and cold but you always made time for me and Luna. You taught me everything I know about being a ruler. But you also taught me a queen should have a heart and a head. Voidera, is my heart, as mother was yours.” Lunard looked down, I could see he was remembering Solara. The mare he loved, the mare he cherished above everything in the world. Is this why he’s hunting Private? Because he blames the magic within my student somehow? He then looked at Celestia and scowled, “You however, were a disobedient daughter who refused to follow my commands. Had you simply submitted to Onyx and became a proper ruler we would have avoided the nonsense of you trying to save the mongrels. Now I return to find you have a whole kingdom of them. A mockery of what the Alicorns once were.” “I chose to do what was right!” “You chose to betray me!” “You aren’t my father, the stallion standing before me is somepony else!” Celestia screamed. “I want my old father back! The stallion who taught me everything! The stallion whom I respected and idolized! You are just a tyrant waiting to happen!” “I will grant you this only because you are my daughter,” Lunard replied. “Surrender now and I will spare you and Voidera’s lives.” “I refuse to bow to you! You are in my kingdom...” She brandished her spear. “Now, I think you’ve overstayed your welcome.” “Poor choice…” His horn glowed and Tia’s spear hit her upside the head. I cried out as Tia was soon thrown against a pillar. She crashed into it hard and Lunard held her by the throat in his magic. “Leave her alone Lunard!” I shouted, trying to get up. “Don’t hurt her!” “I have had enough of your pathetic romance,” Lunard growled, and then grabbed me in his magic. “Now, I shall do what I should have done fifteen hundred years ago.” Was this…it? Had I failed…? Faust, forgive me… BOOM!!! A cannon ball suddenly blew threw a stain glass window and hit the floor in front of Lunard. The force sent the surprised Alicorn back and freed Tia and I from his magic. I looked on, there was Private on an airship, along with the rest of the elements and Luna. Celestia looked on and shook her head. “She’s as stubborn as I am sometimes.” I ran to Tia and used our magic to teleport us both onto the ship. I collapsed on the deck as the ship flew away. Hopefully we could get away in time. Faust, thank you for saving us as you saved Tia fifteen hundred years ago. I felt the airship’s engines roar to life and we flew away from the fighting. Hopefully, we bought enough time for the Crystal Empire’s aid. If not, Equestria would be doomed…
Chapter 3 "The Calm before the Storm"Chapter 3 “The Calm before the Storm” Perspective: Private Eye Celestia stirred in her sleep as we all stood around her in the cabin of the airship. The three Alicorns took up quite a bit of space down below but we managed to get them all at least comfortable. Twilight smiled as her mentor became awake. “Thank goodness you’re okay!” “Twilight?” Celestia whispered, lifting her head. “Everypony? What are you all doing here? I told you all specifically to leave Canterlot!” “We kind of did Princess”, Rainbow said. “Only, we kind of took a couple of passengers. Royal passengers.” Celestia just sighed and looked over at Luna. Her sister gave her a look of “Don’t look at me, it was their idea”. Celestia then looked back over at us. “I am grateful for your aid, it will take us time to completely revitalize our powers. Where is Voidera?” She asked, trying to get up. “Here, my love,” Voidera said gently, reaching his hoof over to touch hers. Celestia smiled at him, and then looked sternly at us. “Although I cannot condone with you all saving me when I ordered you to run, I do appreciate it,” She smiled. “Thank you, for saving us.” “No problem Princess,” Applejack replied. “You just rest now, we’ll come up with a plan fer later.” Celestia nodded, and laid back before suddenly looking at me. Her eyes seemed…almost in a trance. “Hope lies in the palace of old.” “Princess Celestia?” Twilight asked, looking concerned. Celestia blinked and shook her head. “Forgive me, I lost myself for a moment. We will rest and wait for Cadence and Shining Armor to bring those reinforcements. Until then, remain on your guard.” We all nodded and left the Alicorns to rest. Rainbow hovered above us and asked, “So where do we go now?” “Hope lies in the palace of old? What could it mean?” Twilight wondered aloud. I had an idea of what it meant. But, now was not the time to dwell on it. “We’ll take the princesses and Voidera to Ponyville,” I said firmly. “It’s remote enough that Lunard would not suspect it. After all, what noble prisoner in Canterlot would care about Hicksville?” “But what if Lunard does find us?” AJ spoke up. “He’ll just be right there to plow through our families tah get to the princesses.” “Yeah! We can’t just let that meanie pants stomp our town!” Pinkie shouted. “Most of Chrysalis’ swarm is here,” I pointed out. “We can at least hide the princesses in Ponyville until Shining Armor brings the reinforcements. Then we can take down Lunard and win back Canterlot.” “I just hope the Wonderbolts are okay,” Rainbow frowned, looking back at Canterlot. “They’ll be fine Rainbow dear,” Rarity said assuredly. “They’ve been through more scraps then we have.” I walked up to the wheel and gently began guiding the ship towards home. Twilight came to stand beside me. “You know Lunard will come to Ponyville, he isn’t stupid.” “He won’t come to Ponyville,” I said firmly. “He’ll follow me.” “But, aren’t you heading to Ponyville too?” Twilight asked, narrowing her eyes. “I am,” was all I said. “Private don’t tell me you’re planning on doing something stupid!” Twilight yelled, seeing right through me. “Twilight, it’s for the best,” I replied, knowing that she knew what I was thinking. “Don’t you remember every time you try and be like this?!” she argued. I yelled at her in turn, “It’s better this way and you know it! I’m just trying to keep everypony safe!” “By putting yourself on the chopping block?!” She screamed, a tear falling from her eye. “Do you ever think when you do that?” I blinked at her outburst. “Do you ever think that maybe somepony would be worried sick if you died? Did you ever think that somepony who loves you more than anything would never want to love again? Do you ever think about how anypony else feels when you play martyr?!” “Twi,” I whispered, trying to salvage the conversation. “Forget it!” she shouted, stomping off angrily. You went and did it again Private. You got her mad at you because you wouldn’t listen. Some coltfriend I turned out to be… “Hey Private!” Pinkie said cheerily, appearing beside me. “What Pinkie?” I asked, turning my attention to the pink pony. “Well, we’re just about to hit Ponyville,” she pointed out, but then started rubbing her hooves. “But, we got some good news and bad news.” That’s just great. “What’s the bad news?” I asked. “Our engine is out of gas, may have taken some hits from the fighting, and we’ll probably crash land in about two minutes” “What’s the good news?!” I asked incredulously. “I found a quarter!” She cheered, holding up the coin. I would say Celestia help us, but she’s resting right now. I don’t think she would be after we crash into Town hall though… ________________________________________________________ Luckily nopony was hurt. We just ended up crashing the Highwind into the town hall and passed through a window into it. Nopony was inside so we managed to avoid that fiasco. However, what we couldn’t avoid was backlash from the Mayor. “This town hall is one of the most important buildings in Ponyville,” She lectured to me and Twilight. “We can’t have ponies destroying it whenever they want.” “Miss Mayor” Twilight started. “We need to gather everypony in town, it’s an emergency!” “What could be more important than our town hall getting des-” “Mayor, please.” All three of us looked on as Celestia was led gently out of the Highwind, she was still bandaged up from the fighting. “Oh my stars!” the Mayor exclaimed in shock. “I had heard the fighting was intense at Canterlot, but I never imagined I’d ever see you in such a state, your highness.” “Forgive me,” Celestia said weakly, as she was supported by Rainbow and AJ. “I could not stop Lunard. His army is mostly concentrated at Canterlot at the moment. Sadly neither I, my love, nor my sister are in any condition to battle.” “This is terrible news!” the Mayor panicked, reeling from the shock of the situation. “It gets worse,” Twilight said gravely. “Look, we need to gather everypony in town. This is important.” The Mayor nodded and said, “We should get our princesses to the hospital.” “No,” Celestia said stubbornly, shaking her head. “I won’t endanger the hospital staff.” “Princess Celestia, with all due respect,” Twilight started, looking on at her mentor. “You are in no condition to fight. You are also in no condition to handle command. Everypony here would fight and die for you because we are your subjects. But you forget now I’m still technically a princess. So I implore you to receive the aid this town can provide!” Celestia slowly smiled. Twilight looked taken aback. “Um, sorry, did I do something wrong?” “Not at all,” Celestia smiled, and looked at the Mayor. “I will receive your medical aid, but bring your medical staff here, in the basement to avoid any patients at the hospital getting hurt.” “Yes your highness!” the Mayor saluted, and took to a run outside to perform her task. Twilight looked at me. “Just what are we gonna tell the town?” “Just that somepony is going to try and take their home,” I explained. “That’s all we can hope for.” Twilight looked down. “I guess, this makes me acting Princess of Equestria.” I smiled and lifted her head with a hoof. “If anypony can pull this off, it’s you Twilight.” “I only hope I can be what Equestria needs right now,” Twilight said, smiling at me. “But, I’m glad to have my best friend here.” _______________________________________________________ Perspective: Lunard I stood on the balcony as the battle raged on around me. This city, a mere mockery of what the Alicorns once built, was now facing judgment. Celestia’s soldiers fought valiantly, she’d done well to inspire loyalty in them. But it won’t be long before she too comes to the light. I heard a faint buzzing and turned to see Chrysalis coming forward. She looked agitated. “Those foul cheating ponies, calling forth a blasted airship right when I had Luna!” I gave her a gold stare. “So, you failed to secure them, then it is your fault that Voidera and Celestia had aid to escape.” I pointed Moonsunder at her neck. “Choose your next words carefully insect, lest they be your last” She gulped and said, “Milord, forgive my crudeness. I still have my army that will hunt them down.” “Your army should contend with the reinforcements Celestia no doubt sent for,” I said, looking at her. “Where did they fly to?” “One of our spies informed us that the ship landed in Ponyville,” she answered. “It’s a small and insignificant mountain village a few hours from here.” “Very significant in this case,” I replied. “For the tiniest stone can cause a rockslide when removed.” “You are not thinking of pursuing her, are you? We have her Canterlot, we will soon have all of Equestria!” She exclaimed. “Do not question me!” I yelled, slapping her with a hoof, causing the creature to fall on the ground. I glared at her soldiers, daring them to try and fight me. They were smart not to interfere. “Forgive me my master,” Chrysalis whimpered, wiping green blood from her mouth. “When I found you, you were half starved and still leeching off love, so know your place before me. When I give you an order I expect you to obey lest you end up like that again” I reminded her coldly. “Send a detachment of your troops to Ponyville. Canterlot is of no consequence to me. I simply desire the taint to be destroyed.” “Then we will rip the entire town apart and bring Private Eye before you. I will not forget the debt I owe you for freeing me of love,” She vowed, bowing. “Good…” I turned back towards the window. “See that you do so, and if you do not bring him to me soon, I will come looking…” I looked out the window as she buzzed away. Her soldiers followed suit. So, you plan to send your subjects against mine Celestia? Let us see if you have learned that none can stand against me and live. ___________________________________________________________ Perspective: Private Eye I stood beside Twilight along with the other Elements of Harmony as the whole town gathered in front of Town Hall. Twilight was standing on a podium, a microphone in front of her. She cleared her throat and announced, “Everypony, I’m sure you are all wondering exactly what is going on.” There were murmurs of agreement in the crowd. “The fact of the matter is Chrysalis has launched a second invasion of Canterlot, this time her changelings aren’t affected by love. Only fear.” Twilight’s voice was firm but I knew she was nervous as ever. She had to keep them together lest they panic and the plan doesn’t work. The crowd murmured amongst themselves but Twilight tapped her hoof on the podium to get their attention. “Princesses Celestia and Luna have suffered terrible wounds at the hooves of Chrysalis and Lunard. They have made their intentions perfectly clear they want to destroy every pony in Equestria. I’m sure many of you have seen the news coverage of the events at Canterlot. I can assure you my brother and sister in law will arrive with reinforcements as soon as they can. But, there’s also the possibility that the invaders will send an army here” The crowd was openly conversing with themselves. I overheard many panicking ponies. “They’re coming here?” “They’ll kill us all!” “Should we run?” “Where to? Everfree is just as dangerous!” “I’m not going anywhere my children will be hurt!” I pulled out Blackbird and fired it in the air. That got their attention. I holstered it and declared, “I know you are all worried, and to be honest I am too. But we can’t panic right now! Chrysalis’ army feeds on fear! If we cower like this they’ll only steamroll over us laughing! We can’t cower! We need to fight back!” Twilight smiled at me. I smiled back in turn. Twilight then spoke, “We will be investigating a means to defeat Lunard and his army. Until then, we need everypony here to help in protecting this town. This is a volunteer only basis, nopony is forced to fight. But know this, I have lived in Ponyville for over three years now, it is my home and I will find a way to defend it even if I have to do it myself!” A hush fell over the crowd. I could tell everypony was thinking of whether to step forward or not. Then, I heard a voice shout, “AH WILL!” Big Macintosh pushed his way to the front of the crowd. He stood in an almost inspiring way as he said to Twilight, “Yer highness, ah volunteer mahself to fight fer mah home.” “Are you sure about this Big Mac?” Twilight asked. “Ah am, and everypony here should give it their all too!” he cried, calling out to the crowd. “These ponies have always been there for us when we needed them. Now, we gotta do our part when they need our help! Let’s show dem bugs what real ponies are made of! Are you with me?!” A rallying cheer came from the crowd. I gotta hand it to the guy, Big Mac could get a crowd going when he decided to speak up. I saw Raiden fly out of the crowd. “I’m in!” “The great and-” Trixie was about to begin, but received looks from everypony. “I mean, I shall endeavor to aid whatever I can as well!” Twilight smiled at her student. To which I could have sworn a line of red came over Trixie’s face before she turned away. “Just say the words and I’ll bass cannon them all!” Vinyl shouted. I noticed Octavia standing beside her, she simply looked at me and nodded. For what she may have been involved with in the past, I was glad to have her in the force too. She was a good fighter and knew a thing or two about how to get ponies behind her. “I’m helping too!” Spike declared, coming to stand beside Twilight. “No way I’m letting that jerk Lunard get away with this!” Plenty of others all rallied behind the idea of protecting their town. As the crowd dispersed to make preparations, I walked down with Twilight at my side. Big Mac and Applesnack were standing in front of me. The soldier spoke in his deep bass voice, “It’s not going to be easy, but we’ll round up anypony who can so much as carry a weapon.” Big Mac nodded “We’ll use the catapults we use for Nightmare Night. Plus everypony around here has at least something to defend themselves with.” “Anypony who can’t fight, as well as children, should lock themselves in cellars and barricade it. They are not to leave until the fighting is over,” Twilight told them. Both earth ponies nodded and left to help with preparations. The other elements gathered around me and Twilight. “So what are we going to do?” Rainbow asked. “You all are going to stay here” I said firmly. “Not this horseapple again!” AJ yelled. “Ya know we ain’t gonna have ya fight alone!” “Celestia said ‘hope lies at the palace of old’” I explained. “That can only mean one place, and that’s the Palace of the Princesses.” “You know that means trekking through the Everfree Forest,” Rarity interjected. “Lunard wants me,” I replied. “He’ll only come for me, the town stands more of a fighting chance if Lunard focuses his attentions on the one he wants.” “Not this again Private!” Twilight yelled, glaring at me. “You are not sacrificing yourself!” “I’m just drawing away enough time for the reinforcements to arrive and for the other Alicorns to recover” I said firmly. “It’s better for all that way!” Without another word, I went off into town. I had to get some gear. _____________________________________________________ “You can’t bea serious Private,” Potso said as I pulled my gear out from my closet. My best friend followed me after the rally and after I told him what I had in mind, he wasn’t too happy. “It’s what will keep them all safe” I grunted, loading blackbird and pocketing some extra ammo for her. “Private, mio amico,” Potso frowned. “Do you ever think that maybe we’d all be afraid of losing you? You have an almost suicidal tendency when it comes to these things.” If there were two ponies that could tell what I was really feeling more than anything, it was Potso and Tailspin, Twilight was getting closer every day. My friend went on, “At the very least let your other friends come, they care about you as much as I do Private. If not more so with il tuo amore.” “Potso, I’ll consider it,” I half promised. “But, there’s something I gotta ask you.” “Private, do not make me think of it!” Potso exclaimed, looking at me with serious blue eyes. “Just listen!” I cried. Potso was quiet and nodded slowly. “If, just in case I don’t make it,” I started, packing White Tiger into my trench coat and loading her with some lethal ammo. “I want you to look after Tailspin, make sure he gets to Manehatten and to dad. If he should grow up without me, be there for him please.” Potso looked at me, and knew the gravity of what I’m asking. He nodded again after a minute and said, “Prometto my friend, I will look after him. But please don’t make it happen unnecessarily.” I took Silver Wolf and began sharpening the blade with a whet stone. I knew that Potso would have taken care of him even if I didn’t ask. But, it just felt, necessary to hear my friend make a promise like that. Potso soon left out the door. I then sighed and turned around.“You should be with the other kids.” Tailspin rounded the corner, I know he heard every word. He rolled up to me and I looked at him. I could tell by his blue eyes he was concerned, more so than anypony. “You’re not going to leave me, are you bro?” he asked, trying to keep from choking up. I hated to see him like this. But, at that point I realized… I couldn’t die, I couldn’t just die and leave Tailspin grief stricken over me. I decided, I was still going to go, but…I wasn’t going alone. “I’ll be fine Tailspin,” I told the little colt, rubbing his mane. “I’ll have Twilight and the others with me. All seven elements of harmony will put a stop to this guy once and for all.” Tailspin smiled and said, “I know you can do it. Private, just don’t think you’re alone in this. We’re all putting our hope in this. Even a cripple like me who can’t fight.” I looked at Tailspin and said, “Just, look after the other kids okay? Tell them that the story is only halfway through. Maybe a happy ending will come of this.” “Yeah,” he smiled. “I’ll work on a happily ever after.” I then pulled my little brother to me. He hugged me in turn. “Tailspin, I don’t think I said this enough. But, you are the greatest thing that’s ever happened to me.” “You’re the best brother in the world,” Tailspin choked, hugging tighter. “I hope I never lose you.” …Twilight’s hoping for the same thing … ______________________________________________________ I walked up to the entrance of Everfree and looked behind me. The girls all followed me. I could tell by their faces they were about ready to argue again. “Private,” Rainbow said, flying up to my face. “You are not going to face that jerk alone!” “You’re not going to leave us behind again!” Rarity added. “I um, I forgot what my line was supposed to be, um…” Fluttershy whimpered. “Don’t be...a meanie again?” I smiled and chuckled, “I’m not going to win this argument am I?” “Nope-a-runi!” Pinkie cheered, somehow appearing out of my hat. “You’re an element too Private, and also our very special friend. We’re not going to let you face that meanie pants alone.” Twilight was the last one to walk up. Our eyes met and she told me, “I almost lost you too many times Private, you’re not going alone.” “Then what are you waiting for?” I asked. “Huh?” AJ said confused. “Ah would’ve thought you would put up more of an argument.” “I just,” I walked forward and looked back at them. “Realized I had an awesome group of friends behind my back. So, are you all coming?” They all smiled and looked at each other. “Right behind ya Sugercube!” AJ trotted up. “Aww yeah!” Rainbow whooped, hovering over. “Even if this is scary, I’m still gonna help,” Fluttershy said, prancing over. “We’re right beside you darling through thick and thin,” Rarity added, moving to stand beside me. “Once this is over, I’m throwing us an awesome victory party!” Pinkie exclaimed, now appearing upside down from a tree. Twilight walked up to me, and planted a kiss on my cheek. I blushed a little as she said, “You really have changed Private, for the far better.” I smiled at her, and we ventured forth. The battle for Ponyville will rage…but if hope does lie in the palace of old. Then we will find it, and hopefully turn the tide…
Chapter 4 "The Battle of Ponyville Begins"Chapter 4 “The Battle of Ponyville Begins” Perspective: Big Macintosh Everypony was scramblin tah set up defenses. I watched as Caramel and some other earth ponies were setting up the Nightmare Night catapults. Thank goodness it’s summer and there’s plenty of watermelon to use as ammo. Ah looked over at Raiden as he was tapping some buttons on his suit. Ah could never figure out that thingymabob, but I wasn’t about to deny it was useful. Ah just hope he doesn’t get as crazy as last time he used it. Ah looked over and saw Applesnack loading and cleaning rifles, most of them were designed fer shootin Timberwolves or other beasties that tried tah steal crops. But they’d hafta suffice in this case. He set a rifle down and looked at the defenders. He shook his head. “Farmers, bakers, shopkeepers.” He sighed disapprovingly. “These aren’t soldiers, far from it.” Swarm walked up to Applesnack. “Come on, most of these ponies have had to put up with crazy things before.” “Way I see it,” Applesnack started, getting up and walking over to me. “We’ve got a whole army of changelings against a hoof full of villagers. Those aren’t good odds.” “We aren’t gonna turn and run Applesnack!” Ah yelled, giving him a glare that he returned. “We can’t win this and you know it,” Applesnack replied gruffly. “They’re going to die!” “Then Ah’ll die with em!” Ah yelled, which caused everypony to stop what they were doing. I kept mah green eyed glare on Applesnack. Ain’t no way he was jus’ gonna say that! Slowly, he smiled. “All I needed to hear.” “Huh?” Ah asked, feelin mighty confused. Applesnack kept his smile “So, are you going to command me? Your confidence hasn’t wavered has it?” He walked off and went back to his work after that. Ah dun know what AJ sees in this fella. But, he’s been fightin’ a lot longer the Ah have. Somedays Ah wonder just what makes ‘im like this. “I can never read him,” Swarm said, shaking his head. “Usually it’s easy to tell what ponies are feeling for a changeling like me. But, with him I get nothing. It’s like I’m facing a steel wall.” I looked to mah changeling friend and told him, “Gather yer hive quickly and prepare to fight back!” “But how will we tell my hive from Chrysalis’?” Swarm asked. “I’d love to beat the living crap out of her, but I don’t want my own brothers and sisters to get shot.” “Mighty simple,” Ah said with a smile. “Yers can change, they can’t from what AJ told me.” Swarm smiled at me. “I’ll get them then.” “They’re coming!” Ah heard Thunderlane shout. “I just saw them coming! There’s thousands of them!” I looked back at Swarm. “Get yer hive here! On the triple!” Swarm saluted and dived into the earth, digging a mile a minute. Ah looked back as everypony scrambled to their positions. Private, ah hope we can buy ya enough time… _____________________________________________________ Perspective: Discord We’ll isn’t this interesting… Did you plan for this dear Celestia? This is all far from coincidence. I’ll admit I was skeptical at first when you presented Tenacity before me. But, when I he used his full power on me I understood your plan. Do you really think it will be enough? You know that Lunard has far more years under his belt at this sort of thing. But then again, you are blood are you not? Then you had to go and reform me, using dear Fluttershy was predictable, but effective nonetheless. But, I can’t sit by while all the fun is happening. Whatever you plan is Celestia, I want to see it all. After all, I have a score to settle with Lunard. I mean it wouldn’t be much of a party without a little chaos… ___________________________________________________________ Perspective: Queen Chrysalis I stood on a hill looking down at the disgusting town of Ponyville. To think such a small and insignificant village could be so much trouble. I watched as the ponies mounted a pathetic excuse for a defense. These ponies will make a fool out of me for the last time. Once I take their town they’ll be little more than cattle for us to feed upon. Now with dear Cadence and Shining Armor out of the way nothing can stop us! “Your majesty!” One of my brood said, flying over. “What is it?” I groaned. “Why does everypony insist on interrupting my internal monologues?” “We have caught the scent of the traitor,” the drone said. “He must be gathering up the other members that broke from the hive.” “He is of little consequence,” I glowered. “He will be dealt with swiftly, and I will leach the fear from him once I drain his little pink marefriend dry!” I looked at the drone. “Do not waste the effort in looking for him, these wretched townsfolk will fall before he even arrives.” “What will we do with any civilians we find?” The drone asked with a delightfully evil smirk. “The youngest will provide the highest yield, children are so easy to scare. Kill any who fight back.” With that, I screeched and unleashed my army upon the town. Nothing can stop me! See me now! I will do what every villain before could not! I will destroy this pathetic excuse of a town. ____________________________________________________________________ Perspective: Private Eye Walking through Everfree always unnerved me. The place just gave off this strange atmosphere, never mind the weather, here, being about as chaotic as Discord himself. Despite it being early afternoon it was rather dim in the dreary forest. The canopy of leaves and branches did not allow much light in, and even that was dimmed by the time it got to the forest floor. Leaves crunched underhoof, and there were a multitude of unnerving sounds that could be anything. “I really hate it here,” Rainbow commented as we moved along. “This place is just beyond weird, who’s idea was it to build a palace in the middle of this place?” “Apparently Everfree wasn’t always like this,” Twilight said, entering her lecturing tone. “I read in a book that this place used to be green and beautiful.” “Yeah, well Ah think dark, dreary and freaky is more fitting,” AJ grumbled, ducking under a tree branch. “Hey, you know this is kind of neat,” Pinkie said suddenly. “Pinkie, did you miss the last few times we came in here?” Rarity asked our pink friend. “Well, Private wasn’t there the last time,” Pinkie explained. “So, this is kind of his first ever Everfree adventure with us!” She laughed and bounced along. “Just so long as we don’t have to face any scary creatures again,” Fluttershy whimpered, moving closer to the center of the group. “SPEAKING of ‘scary creatures’,” came an all too familiar voice. I looked up at a nearby tree and saw that none other than Discord himself was walking on the bottom of the branch. I immediately tensed up, like Twilight I was extremely skeptical that Discord reformed himself. His part in the conspiracy surrounding my mother’s death had not been forgotten. “Hello, my dear Fluttershy,” Discord, said bowing floridly at her. “Discord!” Fluttershy said with a smile. “What are you doing here?” “Well you know, I heard that some friends of a friend were walking into certain death and I thought...” His smile started to stretch from ear to ear. “Maybe it would be fun to join this ragtag group of do gooders.” “No deal Discord!” I yelled, glaring at the creature. “Well, if it isn’t detective stick in the mud, and his lovely marefriend, princess stick in the mud,” Discord glowered, hovering over to me and Twilight. “You’re not still sore about the whole, trying to kill you thing are you?” “You could say some of us are,” Twilight growled, glaring at him as well. “Among other things.” “Look, about that, I was just doing my part,” Discord said, flying around us. “You see, it was not I specifically who tried to kill your dear mother. Twas somepony else who’s idea it was. I’m sure you are familiar with him.” “What is he talking about?” Twilight asked. “Adamus, my grandfather,” I replied. “He’s your grandfather?!” Rarity exclaimed, shaking her head. “I met him back in Canterlot one time. How could you possibly be related to such a brute?” “I wonder that myself every day,” I sighed. “Well this is depressing,” Discord commented, and then snapped his fingers. Suddenly my hat turned into... ”Have a sombrero!” Pinkie giggled a little at the hat change, that earned her a look from all of us, minus Discord who was laughing his ass off. “Change it back,” I said with a low growl. “Oh, forgot you’re not the fun type,” Discord sighed, changing my hat back. “So, here’s the deal kiddies, Lunard and I have a bit of a history. So that’s why I’m helping you out on this occasion.” “What’s your beef with the guy?” Rainbow asked. “Well, it’s a bit of a long story,” Discord said, “The short version is that his kind have been none too kind to anything that isn’t an alicorn. I wanted them wiped off the map for how they treated me. I...” For the first time I’ve seen sorrow cross over the creature’s eyes. “I do not wish to delve into that, that’s more depressing than anything Private can give out.” “Discord.” Fluttershy flew over to him. “If it’s really that bad you don’t have to tell us.” “I think they’d appreciate context, my one and only friend,” Discord said, his tone showcasing seriousness. “Anyways, Lunard tried to stop my little plan. I convinced a powerful being to curse the Alicorn race. You all are the result of that.” “Say what now?” AJ asked. “Basically the curse made us all into what we are,” Twilight explained. “Unicorns, Earth Pony, Pegasi, all of them were the...” She looked at Discord. “The result of your revenge.” “Give this princess a prize,” Discord said half heartedly. “Lunard did a number on me after that little stunt I pulled. Then Lunard got in a tizzy after some sorcerer killed his mate. Went crazy mad, thought everypony was touched with dark magic. But as an enemy of mine used to say, those that are most corrupted never see themselves as such.” “No wonder he’s after Private,” Fluttershy said. “It’s still no excuse for wanting to kill everypony.” “So, what happened after all that?” Rarity chose to ask. “Well, Lunard thought it would be a glamorous idea to unleash Miasma on the world, thinking it would,” His head suddenly transformed into Lunard and spoke in a satirical tone. “Purify the world and save it!” “So you’re saying that stuff that Luna had in her,” Pinkie remarked, “Is also in Lunard? Causing him to be a meanie pants?” “Oh my dear Pinkie,” Discord said with a smile, “everypony has a dark side, you all know that more than anyone. Miasma just causes one to ignore the consequences” “So that, obviously, it didn’t work,” Twilight deduced. “Thanks to me,’ Discord said, leaning back. “My seal worked to put the miasma away forever so long as my power was active. Unfortunately, it happened to seal dear Voidera in as well as Lunard. Celestia was none too happy about it and,” His skin suddenly became stone and then back. “And when we defeated you,” I said gravely. “Yeah, you got her boyfriend out, but you also got Lunard out. He also had himself a Miasma bath. So, he’s not exactly in the mood to negotiate,” Discord answered. “Ya think?” I grumbled. “I still have cuts from being thrown out of a stain glass window, thank you!” “We need to find the palace of the Princesses,” Twilight said. “We got there the last few times, we can do it again.” “And leave poor little ol’ me behind?” Discord asked, dramatically getting close and giving Twilight puppy dog eyes. Which would have worked if his eyes weren’t yellow with red irises. Fluttershy told him, “You can come with us, we could use all the help we can get.” “What!?” Twilight and I exclaimed. “Well, it sort of makes sense to have him along,” Fluttershy explained. “He doesn’t like Lunard either.” “Enemy of our enemy, who was our enemy, is now our friend?” Rarity asked with a raised eyebrow. “I’m so confused,” Rainbow groaned with a facehoof. “So, without further ado,” Discord summoned hiking gear on himself. “Let’s trek on into this forest of nasties!” Pinkie bounced along after Discord. I gave Fluttershy a look, she returned it with a look of her own that said “I can be just as stubborn as everypony else here, don’t try”. I sighed, this was going to be a long day. ___________________________________________________________________ Perspective: Raiden Bolt It’s chaos, down there. The Earthies are doing their best, but the changelings can fly. And they outnumber them. The barricades are holding, for what they’re worth, simple things of earth and wood they may be, but with the sheer numbers, they’re sure to crumble despite the stakes on the outside claiming many of the drones. Catapults send showers of rocks into the air to pelt the changelings, bringing some more down to earth, but there are still more coming. I flew over the chaos down below and dodged a drone trying to tackle me mid air. I aimed my suits flight stabilizer and blasted him with lighting. This sent him down towards the fighting below. Taste the Raiden Bolt, bastards! Dude, comic book worthy catch phrase right there. I ducked as another drone tried to snap at me. Okay, enough screwing around, time to get to business! I slammed my metal covered hoof into it’s jaw and sent the creature flying downwards. I looked on and saw only more were coming. Swarm, where the hell was that backup? “Sir,” Neko said in my earpiece. “The suit has not been tested fully for combat. I advise caution when using it’s powers. We don’t want another incident.” “Don’t worry, I can keep track of watts,” I said, shooting a bolt of lightning, shocking a pair of changelings. “Raiun was always good at that apparently.” I watched as more and more kept coming, one managed to latch onto me. It bared its fangs at my helmeted face as I tried to shake him off. He tried to find a vulnerable spot to bite into my suit. I struggled and kicked, trying to get this bug off me. Suddenly the changeling was ripped off me, I saw Stormfront and his team were battling the Changelings in the sky. He then punched the changeling in the stomach and threw him down on a nearby roof. Icestorm flew over to me. “If you hadn’t stopped showboating around you could’ve gotten killed.” “Hey, do you guys have a high tech suit?” I asked rhetorically. That earned me a roll of the eyes. “I thought not.” “Less chatting and more beating up!” Firestorm yelled, delivering a swift kick to a changeling’s face. “There be more of ‘em than seagulls after a garbage scow!” Squall cried, dodging a pair of them. This was going to overwhelm us quickly, we needed more... I tapped my earpiece. “Neko, activate Suit Up protocal!” “Sir, are you sure that’s wise, they haven’t even...” “Just try it! They need as much help they can get!” “Launching suits now.” I watched in the distance as sets of armored suits flew towards us. I smiled. “A little present for everypony!” The suits all flew towards a Storm Rider and followed them. One managed to get close enough to Storm Front that it opened up and began putting itself on him. The large pegasus adapted quickly and punched a changeling, his natural strength was enhanced by the suit and sent the bug flying into a group of unsuspecting changelings. More suits landed on each Storm Rider and I was amazed at how they adapted so quickly. I’m guessing they are used to hectic situations like this. The suits helped turn the tide in the battle of the skies, as each Storm Rider put the suits to good use. I saw Icestorm raise her hooves and fire a small blizzard at some, sending the Changeling sickles falling to earth. Never underestimate the power of the suit, baby. I flew over to join the fighting myself. I hope everything’s okay down below. _______________________________________________________ Perspective: Octavia I fired my tommy gun at a bug that tried to corner Caramel during the fighting. While Raiden waged his war in the skies, the streets of Ponyville had turned into an all out brawl. The barricades and catapults only managed to stall the oncoming horde, not stop it. Where did Vinyl run off to? MAXIMUM BASS!!!! Oh there she is... I ran into an alleyway and found several changelings on the ground nearby. Vinyl was standing over them proudly, her bass cannon by her side. “Well, how d’ya like that Octy? Pretty sweet huh?” “Vinyl, only you would find this fun,” I sighed. “Aww, don’t be like that,” she smiled. “I get to be badass too sometimes.” I fired at a Changeling behind her, hitting the bug in the shoulder. “Eyes off my flank and on the enemy, sweetheart.” “Octy watch out!” Vinyl cried, I turned just in time to see a Changeling bearing down on me. I barely had time to react when suddenly a shotgun blast was heard and the bug went flying, bleeding green blood from the terrible wound it sustained. I looked at the shooter and saw Grimwing was standing there. The griffon smirked. “Well, if it isn’t the head of the Val Jean family.” “A pleasure as always, Grimwing,” I smiled. “Dude! That was so awesome!” Vinyl whooped, her eyes were probably glowing under those shades. “Who’s the doll?” Grimwing asked. “A very close friend,” I said. Don’t look at me like that, I’m still trying to figure out how I ended up with her. “Would you two quit the romantic prattle, and get back to fighting the damn insects that are trying to kill the town, please?” Sour Grapes uttered, as she lifted yet another impossibly heavy stone, and sent it flying into the horde. “THANK you.” I nodded and Grimwing and I leaped into the fray, I saw that griffons had joined the fight in the sky. They were small in number, but very effective at killing. I fired another round into a changeling and asked Grimwing, “Some annoying detective rope you into this?” “Yep,” Grimwing grunted, clawing a changeling that was stupid enough to get close to him. “I owe that guy quite a few favors, you as well?” “Let’s just say I owe that annoying detective quite a bit,” I said, tossing aside my empty tommy gun and pulling out my bow sword. I sliced the horn clean off a changeling and delivered a swift kick to his throat. “But let’s just say I’d benefit from a town grateful for my help.” “Doll, this may be the start of a beautiful friendship,” He said, tossing a changeling towards Sour Grapes. Grapes smirked, catching the changeling, and then slingshotting it back into the horde. “Why, Octavia, I’m shocked at you, shocked! You’re throwing over Vinyl for a griffon? And ponies think I’m weird for dating an overlarge pegasus,” Grapes quipped. “My friend, this relationship is strictly buisness,” I grinned, slicing another changeling. “The way it should be,” Grimwing said, blasting a changeling in the face with his shotgun. _______________________________________________________________ Perspective: Tailspin It was dark and cramped, with as little light as we could get away with. We didn’t want to attract the attention of those things. Cheerilee was kind, gently soothing the scared fillies and colts to make sure they didn’t make too much noise. The basement of the school hasn’t been used much, except for storage of supplies, and outdated materials. Some of the boxes of books had been moved to the door, blocking it, but we knew that it was only a matter of time. Dinky looked down. “What’re we gonna do?” “Just wait it out ‘til somepony comes Ah guess,” Applebloom said, just as depressed. “I never imagined the changelings were so mean,” Sweetie Belle went on. “Swarm wasn’t so bad, I guess these aren’t the same.” “Don’t worry guys,” Scootaloo said, trying to sound brave. “Rainbow Dash and the others will find a way to clobber them! Just like last time.” “I’m worried about Fluttershy,” Genny said sadly. Rumble went to hug her gently. I was surprised at how gentle he could be. But, then again today has been full of surprises. I knew Private was with the others and he was going to be fine. But, I was worried about everypony else. Some of them had siblings that were active in the fighting. I had to do something. “Guys,” I spoke up, getting everypony’s attention. “We just gotta have faith.” “Faith?” Diamond Tiara yelled as quietly as she could without getting chastised by Cheerilee. “We’re being attacked by a bunch of roaches and you want us to have faith? I guess pegasi really do keep their heads in the clouds.” “Hey shut up!” Scootaloo cried, coming to my defense. “Scootaloo...” I gave her a look. “Please?” She nodded slowly, not saying anything. “Private and the others are going to find a way,” I said, trying to sound confident for them. “The story is only halfway over. There’s still a chance for a happy ending, right?” Applebloom smiled. “AJ wouldn’t want us wallowin’ in self pity. This is just like at the Mansion, we got each other so we’ll be fine.” “She’s right,” Pip smiled. “We’re not going to give up on those fighting evar!” Dinky smiled at Pip’s courage and nuzzled him. “I’ll be right with you Pip.” Pip blushed in turn, causing us all to laugh a little...but we stopped when we heard something from the stairs... “Little fillies and colts...come out to play...” That was a Changeling... _______________________________________________________ Perspective: Private Eye The gloom only got worse the further one went into the forest. The canopy thickened, and it was practically night inside the deepest parts of the Everfree. Strange plants abounded, everypony recognizing Poison Joke by now, but there were some others that were just... strange. Even a plant that snapped closed on a flying insect. “Are we any closer?” Rainbow asked impatiently. “We haven’t gotten much closer the last twelve times you asked,” Twilight groaned. “Well, so much for the in trek movie,” Discord said, levitating a television he summoned into existence. He then snapped his fingers and caused it to disappear. “I shall go back to being bored.” “We could always play eye spy again,” Pinkie suggested. Discord shook his head. “Doesn't have the same appeal when the options are tree, rock, more trees, giant dragon, and-” “Wait, what did you say?” I asked, stopping. “Tree” Discord said with a shrug. “No that thing about the giant dragon,” I said, looking urgently at him. “Oh, that thing that’s been flying behind us for the last couple of minutes,” Discord answered, pointing behind him. All of us turned around and watched with horror as Shar’drel flew towards us. She must’ve gotten past the fighting somehow! I looked at Discord. “You failed to mention this until now?” “Beautiful Purity was about to have her vampony baby. I wasn’t about to miss that breach of logic,” Discord smiled. Everypony except Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie face hoofed at the same time. Fluttershy out of politeness, and Pinkie couldn’t stop laughing. “We still got a dragon to deal with!” Rainbow cried, pointing. “Oh dear,” Fluttershy squeaked looking up at Shar’drel. “She doesn't look too happy.” “Let me at her Private,” Rarity growled, glaring up at the dragon. “I want to rip the wings right out of her sockets!” “There’s no time for this!” I yelled, shaking my head. Discord became quiet for a moment, and snapped his fingers to summon a dagger. “I’ll make time.” “Discord you can’t be serious!” Fluttershy cried. “I’ve faced dragons before, I can at least stall her,” Discord said, looking back. “But you can’t! You’ll get hurt!” Fluttershy argued, now tearing up. Discord was quiet again, and then said, “I don’t want my only friend getting hurt either...” With that, he flew off towards the dragon. AJ and I grabbed Fluttershy before she could go after him. “Let me go! I have to stop him!” “Fluttershy, you can’t let what he did go to waste!” I yelled, grabbing one of Fluttershy’s legs to help out. Fluttershy looked on the shrinking image of her friend and cried, “DISCORD!!!!!!!”
Chapter 5 "Escalation"Chapter 5 “Escalation” Perspective: Private Eye Rarity held a crying Fluttershy for a few minutes. It was a while since Discord went to fight Shar’drel. Fluttershy didn’t take it very well, but I was glad Rarity was here. If there was anypony who could handle Fluttershy when she’s like this, it’s Rarity. “We gotta get moving,” I told them. “We can’t let Discord’s sacrifice go to waste.” They all looked at me, except for Fluttershy who kept crying into Rarity’s shoulder. “I do beg your pardon, Private, but aren’t you being just a bit... well... cold?” Rarity asked. “Discord gave us some time,” I said. “But we don’t know if Lunard will send something else after us.” “He’s right, Rares,” AJ spoke up. “We gotta get movin’, everypony back in town is countin’ on us.” “And how many of you, dare I ask, have had to watch a dear friend go flying off to fight for you, leaving you behind?” Rarity asked, gently supporting the weeping Fluttershy, as we started to move on. Everypony was quiet for a minute, not saying anything. Twilight led the pack, she kept casting glances back at me. Sometimes she would linger, as if she wanted to say something. But, then she’d face forward again and we’d keep moving. Rainbow hovered over to me. “Okay, I’m getting sick of this.” “Sick of what?” I asked my cyan colored friend. “Sick of you two not talking!” Rainbow blurted out, getting in my face. “You and Twilight are like, the super couple. Yet through this whole thing you two haven’t said a word to each other. Then when you do once in a blue moon you guys argue! Will you two jus-” “It’s none of your buisness, Rainbow!” I yelled. Rainbow crossed her forelegs. “Before we even reach the palace you are talking to her, otherwise I’m gonna get AJ’s rope, tie you two to a tree and make you stay there until something is said.” “Feel free, sugarcube,” Applejack said, pulling the lasso out of her saddlebag. “Ah’m might tired of it mahself.” “Now hold on!” Twilight said, turning around. “We have more important things to worry about than this!” “And the lack of harmony between yourself and Private isn’t as important?” Rarity asked. “After all, he is an Element, too. If you two are still at odds, it’s quite possible that the Elements will not work should we need them.” “It’s still something between her and me!” I snorted. “Then it is up to you and Twilight to fix it. And soon, darling,” Rarity said solemnly. “If not for your sakes, for the sake of Equestria.” At Twilight and I’s stubborn expressions, AJ got a look on her face and looked at Rarity. “Rares, they ain’t gonna cave...GRAB EM!!!” Rainbow lived up to her reputation, and quickly grabbed Twilight, and Applejack was just as quick with her lasso. Faster than I would think possible, Twilight and I were tied to a tree, with the others setting up a small camp, just out of sight, but I doubt out of earshot. Pinkie stood in front of me and said, “Now, you two are not getting off that until Private stops being a meanie pants, and Twilight stops being snooty.” “I’m not snooty!” Twilight retorted loudly, struggling with the ropes. “Get us outta here right now!” I yelled. “Our apologies, darlings, but tis for your own good. And the good for Equestria and the Elements of Harmony, of course, but mostly for your good,” Rarity said admonishingly. This, was going to be a very long day... __________________________________________________________________ Perspective: Discord I looked on the dragon as it flew towards me. Hopefully I could keep her busy long enough for the others to get outta here. I dodged and weaved as she snapped her jaws at me. Oh boy, somebody didn’t get their in flight meal. But something was off, I couldn’t quite put my claw on it but there was something wrong with this dragon. I mean, aside from wanting to kill little old me for no good reason. That’s just bad manners. She unleashed a torrent of fire at me that I barely dodged with my tail intact. But wait, wouldn’t my whole body be considered my tail? I mean, I am serpentine sort of. Oh, the pains of being a mixed up creation of alchemy. Alright, now it’s time to stop playing. I turned and snapped my fingers, small firecrackers appeared out of nowhere and hit the dragon right on the kisser. She snarled at me and tried to snap at me again. But, she just snapped at a whoopie cushion I placed where I was. I got a quick laugh out of that. Never gets old, no matter how many centuries. Suddenly the dragon reached one of her claws and grabbed me. She squeezed me tighter than a tube of toothpaste. I looked up at her. “Really, I know I’m a charming individual, but you just aren’t my type honey.” She glared at me, that’s when I noticed her blue markings...oh... Lunard you bastard. “I see he’s done a number on you, what did they call you? Shar’drel?” I asked, teleporting out of her grip. She roared at me, sending me flying several feet away. Somebody give that dragon a breath mint! I raised both of my hands, magic coming from them. Suddenly Shar’drel’s wings began pulling themselves at extremely painful levels. Though, I doubt she was really feeling any of this. Her mind was long gone. Lunard, you never seem to learn do you? You don’t mess with creatures like this... Lest you want a date with a god of chaos. ______________________________________________________________ Perspective: Tailspin “Whatdowedowhatdowedowhatdowedo?” came a frightened voice from among the fillies, bordering on panic. Call me crazy but it sounded like Diamond Tiara. I'd better keep that in mind for later. “We don’ jus’ let that bug come in an’ take us, that’s what we do,” Apple Bloom said determinedly. “There’s lotsa stuff, down here we can use.” With that she began to look around for materials. She came up with a bucket and some other materials. I nodded. “Just like in the mansion, we’ll barricade the door.” “Kids, what are you doing?” Cheerilee asked. “We’re gonna stop him from coming in!” Scootaloo replied determinedly, tossing a board to Rumble. “You can’t risk yourselves!” Cheerilee cried, looking worried. “Better ‘n nuthin!” Apple Bloom replied. “We gotta stop him!” “I just, don’t want to have any of you get hurt,” Cheerilee said, looking guiltily at us. “Then you can help us stop him!” I said, looking at her. “You’re our teacher, you’re not going to let him in!” She slowly nodded and ran to help barricade the door. I heard a loud boom on the other side. I crawled up to the door and we all began pushing against it. “Oh don’t struggle my little fillies and colts,” The changeling glowered on the other side. “We’ll take good care of all of you.” “No way!” Sweetie cried, pushing alongside me. “You all tried to hurt my sister and her friends! You aren’t getting us!” “Dumb brats...” Suddenly the door exploded, a blast of magic must’ve been fired. I fell back to the ground and groaned, I looked up to see the Changeling pressing down on us. Cheerilee stood in front of us. She glared at him. “Step aside, mare, and I won’t kill you in front of your students,” the Changeling said, his horn glowing and his sharp teeth grinning evilly. “These are my students!” Cheerilee cried, “I won’t let you take them! You’ll have to get through me first!” “Yeee HAW!” came Apple Bloom’s shout, as a heavy box suspended from a rope came crashing into the Changeling’s side.He let out a screech as he went sailing into the wall. I saw Rumble and Pipsqueak leap onto the Changeling and began pounding away at him. The Changeling threw them aside, and got up. Scootalooo leaped onto his back and bucked the back of his head. The bug couldn’t reach her. I looked over and saw a hammer. I picked it up in my teeth as the Changeling threw Scootaloo off with his magic. “Hey ugly bugly!” I taunted through my teeth. He looked at me. “I’d say you’re gonna get squashed!” I turned my head and threw the hammer towards him. The hammer hit him right on his horn, breaking it completely. The bug fell into unconsciousness. We all cheered, but I was more concerned about Scootaloo. I crawled over to her, a trickle of blood was coming from her head. “Scootaloo?!” I cried with concern. She blinked open her beautiful violet eyes and groaned, “Hey, anypony get the number of that cart? Oh, hi Tailspin, when did you get brothers...?” Even when dizzy as heck she still found a way to make me smile. “C’mon, everypony,” Apple Bloom commanded. “We need ta get the door back up, an’ fix up some nasty surprises fer any more bugs that try an’ get us.” “Like us?” We all looked up and saw that a pair of changelings have come through the door. Aww nuts... One tried to grab Sweetie Belle, when suddenly he was grabbed by magic and slammed down onto the ground. The other tried to retaliate, but a white blur grabbed the changeling from behind...and a sword stabbed through him... Covered in sweat, blood both red and green, and clad in violet armor, was Twilight’s brother Shining Armor. He let the changeling down as Sweetie bucked the other one in the face. Cheerilee smiled, “Thank you so much.” The unicorn smiled, sheathing the sword he was using. “No problem, now let’s get you kids to a better spot. We’re gonna make sure you all get to the town hall basement safely. This place is too far behind enemy lines now.” So, if Private marries Twilight, I get this guy as a brother in law? SO AWESOME!!! _____________________________________________________ Perspective: Swarm We arrived to a war zone. Pony and altered changeling fought each other to the death. One to save their home, the other for the sake of our former queen, who had been changed so much, she was unrecognizable. Even if we didn’t change, the differences were obvious. Where they were once green, these altered changelings were marked with blue. Even so, we did change to the forms of ponies, and joined the fray. Despite our differences, these ponies had accepted us, and had formed a symbiotic relationship with us. It was the least we could do. Buildings had been destroyed in the fighting, and the streets had been stained with both pony and changeling blood, smears of both red and green painted the scene in grisly colors. We wanted to change how they saw us. We weren’t monsters anymore. We didn’t want to be seen as such. I wanted to make sure that every changeling in my hive fought for that future. Where one day ponies and changelings can live side by side. Not one leeching off the other, but as true friends. I will fight for that future today! I knocked a changeling off Big Mac. The workhorse smiled at me. “Bout time ya showed up.” “Took me awhile to find everybody,” I replied, firing a bolt of magic at an oncoming altered changeling. “Thanks, Swarm!” Big Mac yelled, sending another one flying with a swift buck. “Just like the Snowlands!” “Except this time no strength enhancers,” I smiled as I kicked another one in the face, knocking him out cold. “Who needs em?” he grinned, lifting a changeling by the tail, swinging him around, and throwing him into a group of changelings about to attack Lyra and Bon Bon. I was about to continue, when I felt a burst of green magic hit me in the chest. I went flying into a nearby wall and lost my disguise. I looked up, right into the eyes of Chrysalis. “Well well. Looks like I have found the little traitor,” Chrysalis glowered, as she used a pain spell to lash at me, making me feel like I was being dipped in acid. “I will show you the price of treachery, and the price of your worthless sentimentality!” I growled despite the pain, “I smell no love from you, how are you living?” Chrysalis laughed cruelly. “We feed on fear, and it is a most delicious feast. Despair adds such a wonderful spice to the dish,” she grinned. “These poor fools feed us even as they fight, they fear for their lives, and despair of winning.” I fired a spell at her, hitting her in the chest, it knocked her back. “You’ll never understand. No queen should rule like this. You are no longer a changeling! You’re a worthless shell of what being a true changeling is all about! It’s not to leech and soak, but to receive a gift. I found that gift in Pinkie Pie, I will never let you take it from these ponies!” “WHO ARE YOU TO TELL ME WHAT A TRUE CHANGELING IS?!” Chrysalis roared lashing me with pain again. “You betrayed your hive, betrayed your queen, all for the sympathy of a foolish party pony! No pony could ever truly love a changeling!” I stood, and growled, “You want to know who I am...? I. Am. Swarm. You are no longer my queen, the only being I will ever belong to is Pinkie Pie! Because I love her more then anything in this world! Now...you will never know what it feels like ever again. I pity you...” She then summoned a cruel looking dagger in her magic. “I don’t want you pity! I want your death!!!” She was about to plunge the dagger into me... Pinkie...I’m sor- Clang!!! There was somepony standing between Chrysalis and me. A pink alicorn, clad in crystal like armor and wielding a rapier in her magic. Princess Cadence? She...saved me? “So, this is what you do when your subjects don’t agree with you, old hag? No wonder you can’t get a date,” The princess said, keeping the dagger from reaching me with her sword. “You!” Chrysalis screeched and swung her dagger again, Cadence parried it expertly. Seems her love has taught her a few things about swordplay. “I should’ve just killed you in those caves!” “You and I have a score to settle!” Cadence grunted, keeping the dagger at bay. “Nopony tries to take Shining Armor and gets away with it!” “This love is really getting annoying!” Chrysalis pushed Cadence away and the two creatures began dueling one another. Another changeling tried to attack Cadence from behind. But before I could warn the princess, the changeling froze in mid air. I looked over, and saw... “Princess Snowflake!” I cried, seeing the white alicorn clad in what looked like a military uniform. The princess of the Snowlands smiled at me. “It is good to see you again, Swarm, now it is my turn to save you!” I looked up at the skies, and saw dozens of airships in the sky. They bore symbols of the Crystal Empire and the Snowlands. The ships landed and the soldiers ran out to join the fighting. The Crystal Empire brought melee fighters clad in their crystal armor and wielding blades made from the same substance. I saw soldiers belonging to the Snowlands firing their battle saddles and rifles at any Changeling that got near the Crystal ponies. The tide has turned in this war! _______________________________________________________________________ Perspective: Private Eye They’re not speaking to us. They’re over, beyond the bushes, giving us some semblance of privacy, but they’re not talking to us. Apparently Twilight and I are supposed to talk to each other, and they’re not risking either one of us convincing them to let us go.I fought with the ropes a little, but they gave nothing. I seriously doubt that I could untie these with my magic. AJ’s knots are known to be so tough not even the most powerful of unicorn’s magic could break them. Twilight however, didn’t take the hint of why they weren’t talking to us. “Guys! This isn’t funny! Untie us right now!” “Twi, they aren’t going to let us go,” I said, squirming even more. “Well, I hope you’re ready to apologize then,” Twilight scolded, sticking her nose in the air. “Me?” I said incredulously. “You’re the one who wasn’t talking to me!” “You’re the one who’s all about focusing on a mission!” Twilight retorted. Our argument escalated from there. We started arguing about everything. And I mean everything. “Did anypony tell you that you kick in your sleep?” Twilight cried. “I swear you almost bucked me off whenever we cuddled!” “Well you groan and toss around!” I yelled back. “It’s like wrangling a fish!” “And another thing you never put the books back after you’re done! You always leave them wide open!” “That’s so I can come back to it!” “There’s such a thing as a bookmark!” It only got worse from there. “You are just the most stubborn stallion I’ve ever met!” Twilight cried. “You are just a snotty noble waiting to happen Princess!” “I can’t believe you’d think I’d become that!” “Well excuse me Princess!” “I have a name! You were more than happy to use it before!” “That was before you sprouted wings!” “Why do you hate me being an Alicorn so much anyway!?” “Because then I’m nothing!” That stopped our argument right there. We silently sat there. Both of us looked down, for about a minute nothing was said. Then Twilight asked, “Private, can we talk?” “We’ve been doing that for the past few minutes,” I answered. “No, I said talk, not scream at each other,” Twilight groaned. She then looked at me. “I just, want to talk to you about it. I’m tired of this.” I sighed. “So am I.” “Will you just tell me why you don’t like me being a princess?” Twilight asked. I finally came out with it, what I was holding back for so long. “I was afraid.” “Of what exactly?” Twilight asked, her voice gentle. “Twilight, just look at me. I’m a worthless sorcerer, a poor detective with no real future. What could I possibly offer a princess?” I admitted. “Private.” Twilight soothed, scooting in her bindings so she was closer to me. “I, you know I’d never leave you for that. I love you more than anything! You’re strong! Incredibly smart and brave, and the greatest friend I’ve ever have. I’d never trade the year we spent together for anything!” “But, how many years?” I asked. “What?” Twilight said, a little confused. “Twi, I’m not going to live forever. If you accept immortality I’ll still age. I’ll grow old while you’ll remain young forever. You would also suffer a great amount of grief should I die...let’s just say I have...seen it very clearly.” Twilight started crying. I looked over at her, and saw the tears in her eyes. She shook her head. “Private, I had no idea!” “Twi, please don’t cry...” I said, pressing my muzzle to hers. “I should’ve guessed, I should’ve known!” She said, pressing her muzzle deeper into me. “I was so caught up in being what Equestria needs I didn’t think about how you felt! I thought, I thought you just didn’t want me to succeed. That you just stomped out what I achieved...” “Twi, for that I’m sorry,” I apologized, touching her horn with mine. “I was the idiot who stomped all over that. You did something that no unicorn has done in centuries. I, I should’ve been proud of you. But I was too scared and arrogant to admit how I felt.” “Do you, still love me?” She asked, gazing into my eyes. I pressed my lips to hers, and poured all the love I felt for her. Twilight kissed me back with equal fervor. I felt the love I turned away from earlier come flooding back. I don’t care if she’s immortal! I don’t care that she’s a princess now! I love Twilight with all my heart! I’ll never turn away from her again! Our kiss broke and I felt tears falling from my own eyes. “I love you, Twilight, I never stopped loving you.” “Private, I’m not going to become immortal,” she said, a wide smile on her face. “I’d rather live for a little while with you, than a millennia without you.” “Twilight, if these ropes weren’t holding us back I’d kiss you to death,” I smiled. “You don’t wanna do that, silly willy,” Pinkie said with a huge grin on her mug. “Well, ain’t ya a sweetheart?” AJ said, as the others came out from their hiding spot. “How long were you all listening?!” Twilight yelled as both of our faces turned scarlet. “Long enough to know you two are finally back,” Rainbow grinned. Fluttershy then walked up to us. She smiled and said. “I’m happy for you two, don’t ever fight like that again.” “We won’t Fluttershy.” I promised, nuzzling Twilight. Twilight returned my nuzzle, and then said, “Would somepony untie us so I can kiss this stallion better?” “Have at ‘im, Twi,” laughed AJ as she went to untie us. Twilight subsequently glomped me and kissed me lovingly. I held her in my forelegs, all the mares were giggling around us, but I barely heard them. I had Twilight back, and I was the happiest stallion in the world. Now, to make sure there is a world for us to live in...
Chapter 6 "Fall of Tenacity"Chapter 6 “The Fall of Tenacity” Perspective: Private Eye Twilight and I walked side by side as our group walked through the forest. There wasn’t anything awkward about us walking now that Twilight and I got our feelings out. Instead, I found myself accidentally-on-purposely bumping into her. She would smile and bump into me, we would laugh, look into each other’s eyes and just go on. It just felt great that despite all that’s happening, we managed to get how we felt for one another fixed. “Uggh!” Rainbow groaned as she hovered behind us. “Watching you two is like watching all the sappiest parts of romance movies all at once!” “Now Rainbow Dash,” Rarity interjected. “Those two deserve a little of that after getting back together.” “Still, if we weren’t trying to stop Lunard, I’d suggest they just get a room already,” Rainbow huffed. “Yer just wishin yer flashy rockstar coltfriend would be like that,” AJ smirked. “Nu-uh!” Rainbow pouted, crossing her forelegs. “Raiden doesn't have to be all gushy and stuff.” “Uh guys,” Twilight said, looking back. “We can hear you.” “Oh don’t mind us,” Pinkie smiled. “We’re just doing what good friends do and talking about your romancing and kissy wissys behind your backs!” “Sometimes it is rather fun to be the spectator, darling,” Rarity observed. “Especially when you two are quite happy.” Twilight and I rolled our eyes and nuzzled each other just to tick Rainbow off. We then ventured deeper into the forest. There we found a river in our path. Rainbow tilted her head. “Hey, we’ve been here before haven’t we?” “Alas, that wonderfully stylish serpent isn’t here to help us across, however,” Rarity added with a sigh. “Quite the gentleman, if I recall.” “Oh, what a world to see you all again!” A rather, cheery sounding voice called. Before my eyes a large sea serpent came out of the river. He had violet scales and a blond pompadour on his head, followed by a very stylish mustache on his muzzle. “Oh, Darling! You are here! How wonderful!” “Who’s this guy?” I asked, looking at the others. “Oh he was here last time we came through,” Twilight explained. “Back years ago when we all first met.” “And I have not forgotten the generosity shown to me by miss Rarity, here,” the sea serpent said happily. Then he turned to me. “Who are you, if I may be so brash? I most certainly don’t remember you being here last time.” “Private Eye, I’m an element too.” I said, nodding. “What a world!” he cried, rather dramatically. “Now, do, please, allow me to aid in your crossing this river. I never forget my friends! Especially ones as fabulous as you all!” With that, he moved his long body so that a bridge formed. The ones who couldn’t fly began crossing along it. Twilight and I were the last. I smiled and bowed. “After you, milady.” She giggled a little and curtsied. “Always a pleasure dear sir.” “Uggh!” Rainbow groaned. “This is going to be a long trip.” The serpent gasped. “Oh! Do I detect romance in the air?” “Yes, darling, you do,” Rarity said beaming. “Aren’t they just the cutest couple?” Twilight and I blushed a little at the comment. “Oh it’s so trueeeee!” the serpent gushed. AJ just chuckled. “Ah always pegged them as gettin’ close, ever since they walked through mah front door.” “So!” Pinkie suddenly got in my face. “When are you and Twilight gonna get busy?” “PINKIE!!!” both Twilight and I shouted at the pink pony. The party animal just hopped along, giggling despite our embarrassment. I looked over at Twilight as we walked. Everything just felt, right at this point in time. Suddenly I felt like I did when our relationship hit it’s stride. I was happy again, happier than I’d ever been. ______________________________________________________________ Perspective: Cadence The battle for Ponyville raged around me, as I clashed with Chrysalis, my rapier flashing in the weak sunlight as I fought the Changeling Queen. I had an old score to settle, and I wasn’t about to let her get her way twice! She laughed as her dagger clashed with my blade. “Bah! You think you can defeat me? You could barely protect yourself the last time we faced each other!” “This time it’s just you and me, you bitch!” I yelled at her. “Your army can’t save you now! They’re too busy! I’ll make you pay for every ounce of love you stole!” “Still sore about your hubby abandoning you for me?” she mocked as she swung her dagger. She managed to cut off a bit of my mane, but she didn’t draw blood. “You tricked him!” I cried, swinging my blade and drawing blood from her chest. “Do you want to hear what he said to me?” she sneered. “All those wonderful things he said to me before the wedding? How much he loved and cherished you...?” She licked her lips. “It was...delicious.” “Love isn’t food you monster!” I screamed, but she then managed to deliver a hard kick to my chest. The force sent me flying back. I can’t believe I got so careless. I fell for such an obvious trick. She knows exactly how to get under my skin. Shining Armor, MY Shining Armor. How could this witch ever think of touching him! Let alone using him to milk love for herself! I... Is it possible, for a Princess of Love to feel hate? I crashed into the earth, my sword falling out of my magic. I groaned in pain, and looked up as the witch stood over me. “What did Shining Armor ever see in you anyway? You’re hardly a princess worthy of anypony’s time. Weak, pathetic, and so believing in the good in ponies. You’re nothing more than a pampered child.” She punched me right in the face before I could get back on my hooves. I fell down to the ground. I wasn’t going to give into her. I couldn’t let her win. I glared at her, blood falling from my lip. “You’ll, never understand. Because you gave up the emotion of love. Now you’ll never understand...” I levitated my blade. “Why I fight now!” I plunged it into her side. She screeched in pain and I fired a bolt of magic into her chest. It sent her back several feet into a wall. She glared at me as she recovered. “I see the princess shoes are off.” Suddenly I was grabbed by a pair of Changelings. I struggled in their grip as Chrysalis came with her dagger and my sword in her magic. I glared at her. “Even if you take me down, your army is finished! You know that!” “A small price,” she said with an evil smirk. “My army is infinite! Your ponies are only seeing a small portion of it! My army will crush this pathetic excuse for a town! I will have ponies under my hoof once an-” A white blur hit her in the side, causing her weapons to fall from her magic. I took this opportunity and zapped the changelings holding me with a stun spell. I looked over and saw Shining Armor was standing there, clad in his armor, with a sword in his magic and a shield on his left foreleg. His blue eyes held a fury I’ve rarely seen in the stallion. But, at this point I’m glad for it. “You. Stay. The hell. away. From my. WIFE!!!” Shining roared, swinging his blade and cutting Chrysalis across the cheek. The Changeling queen screamed and I went to retrieve my Rapier. I looked at my husband, and he smiled at me. “I’m glad you’re okay, honey.” I smiled in return. “Be careful captain, or you might get another foal after this.” He blushed in that cute way he always does when I tease him. “Later, lover, we’ve got a battle to win, in the meantime,” I said nodding to the Changelings. Shining Armor crouched into a fighting stance. “Let’s make sure they don’t interrupt anypony’s ceremony again.” “You two again!” Chrysalis bellowed, sounding frustrated. “What can I say?” I smirked. “We make a great team.” “I will do what I should have done ages ago!” the witch cried as her changelings leaped towards us. He and I looked at each other, smiled, and then dived into the fray. ______________________________________________________________ Perspective: Discord I looked on Shar’drel as she laid on the grass. She’d wasted all of her energy fighting a god of chaos. Not to mention all the fighting it must’ve taken her to reach me. Poor thing... I landed down beside her, looked down at the tired and bloody creature. “Lunard got to you too, huh?” She growled weakly, some of her scales seemed to be flaking off, as if the skin under them had dried out. Large painful gashes, and large scorch marks covered a lot of her body, and... Oh, the poor dear, it looks like I had broken her tail with that anvil. Oh well. Can’t beat the classics, can you, old drake? Her eyes looked to me, I could see a glimpse of what she once was. I spoke gently to her. “I know it hurts, too many have suffered from Lunard’s mind dive. First he breaks into your mind like a wrecking ball through a balsa wood wall, then he starts picking up the pieces and messing around with them. Once all that is dealt with, you’re left with little more than a shell of what you once were.” She let out a weak plea, I know what she wants. “No I won’t leave you like this, if I do you’d suffer for a hundred years before you died. I know how long dragon lifespans can last, even you bleeding out here would be a disservice. Pride, I’m sick of it, Lunard can’t get enough of it, and you were destroyed for the same reason. I don’t know how you ended up with Lunard, nor do I care.” She looked at me, as I summoned a long dagger. Her eyes showed she was pleading with me. “This, is a dagger made from the fang of the Leviathan. The most powerful dragon predator in existence. I had the misfortune of having to face one in battle. But, I’m guessing the spoils will help you pass.” She let out a pitiful cry as I walked forward. I then saw her eyes close...she was ready. “Goodbye Shar’drel...rest now...” I plunged the dagger into her heart. This way I knew it would be quick, and relatively painless. The dragoness sighed, and her body stilled, and seemed to... deflate. Scales flaked off, bones crumbled, and generally disintegrated.Her spirit had left her body ages ago, Lunard was misusing her shell of a body. She was free now, that was the kindest gift I could give her. “How sentimental...” I heard a voice say, right before I was blasted by magic from behind. ____________________________________________________________________ Perspective: Private Eye Across the ravine, there it stood in all its ruined glory. It was once called “The Castle of the Two Sisters”, and was where two climatic confrontations had taken place, a thousand years apart. The towers were crumbling, and the Everfree had claimed parts of it, but it was still fairly magnificent to behold, even in ruins. I could still see some of the battle scars it held from the battle with Nightmare Moon. Both of them. The gray stone still held some of the ancient carvings, though timeworn, and more abstract than they once were. I wonder if this is how Twilight felt, when she first saw this place? I just can’t get used to it, honestly. “So we’re here,” AJ declared. “What now?” “We’re supposed to find something here, right?” Fluttershy asked. “Celestia wasn’t exactly specific,” Twilight said, putting a hoof on her chin. “Hey Applejack,” Pinkie said. “Don’t you think it’s weird we keep coming back here. Not to mention, that this place was here before your granny showed up?” “This place is just too weird,” Rainbow commented. “Well, we aren’t going to get anywhere gawking at it.,” I said. “Let’s go check it out, maybe we’ll find a weapon of some sort.” We all entered the castle and came to the central chamber...then... I felt a weight on my neck. I looked around at the others and the Elements of Harmony were on them. They all glowed, including mine. “Whoa!” Rainbow gasped, looking at her shining Element of Loyalty. “I feel strange, darlings” Rarity commented. “Like, we were meant to come here.” Twilight looked up at her tiara and light flowed from the five elements into it. It then fired my element, and I felt suddenly...clearer. Like wool was removed from my eyes for a brief moment. Then a beam fired from my element, curved in the air, and fired down behind me. I turned and saw a staircase leading down. “Sweet! A secret passage!” Rainbow smiled. “This is just like Daring Do and the Gryphon’s Goblet!” She was about to let out a fangirl squeal, before seeing our smirking faces and reverting back to regular Dash. “I mean, it’s kind of cool I guess.” “Let’s have a look,” Twilight said, taking the lead and descending the stairs. We all followed soon after and walked lower and lower. We went down for what felt like an hour before... Wow... Downstairs was a room filled with carvings, all intricately detailed and covering the walls. “Oh my gosh!” Twilight gasped, her eyes wide with excitement. “Nopony’s ever found this before! We’ve just made a huge archeological discovery!” “Whaddya think they mean?” Applejack asked. Twilight walked up to one. “Guys, take a look at this.” We walked over and saw the picture, seemingly at the beginning of the tale as it was the carving farthest to the left, depicted an Alicorn. She was standing over a planet, her head was turned away, as if in sadness. The carving went on to show the same Alicorn standing before...it couldn’t be... “That’s Celestia!” Twilight cried in shock, pointing at the carving of the princess. “Look how detailed it is! This can’t be a coincidence!” “But who’s with her?” I said, looking closer, and recognizing the figure next to the princess. “It’s Voidera!” “Hey guys, look at this,” Rainbow said, looking further down. “Doesn't look like this story has a happy ending.” We looked on and the carving depicted a group of alicorns standing over a group of smaller ponies. One of them raised a hoof, and I saw behind the ponies were more Alicorns, with blades in their magic. “Some kind of slaughter?” Rarity guessed grimly. “Whatever it is,” Pinkie frowned, “Those Alicorns don’t look happy at all.” “Well, I think there’s a reason,” Fluttershy said, pointing at another point in the carving. It showed a meteor shower coming down on the Alicorns. The following carvings depicted the terrible destruction that followed. Floods, earthquakes, fire from the skies...but in the center. There was Celestia and Luna, their carvings showed that much. They were in a circle standing protectively over the ponies from before. Seven in total, three unicorns, two pegasi, and two earth ponies. I then noticed the circle around them was lined with jewels, the same jewels on each of our elements. “Well, at least we know how Equestria was made,” Pinkie said, trying to lighten the mood and failing miserably. “So much destruction,” Rarity said, shaking her head. “I cannot imagine what it must’ve been like to live through that.” “Hey, there’s more to the story,” Applejack called, pointing. The next carving depicted six of the seven ponies laughing and playing with one another. The seventh was off to the side, looking on them. “Wait,” Twilight reached into her saddlebags. “I think I’ve seen this before.” She pulled out a painting made from an older kind of paper. I looked on and noticed that the ponies on them resembled the ponies on the carving...and us. “This is too weird, sugarcube.” AJ said, shaking her head. “Of all the ponies, mine gets shipped with Applejack’s?” Pinkie said, tilting her head. “Can we focus please!” Twilight called. “I have a theory, I think these are our ancestors. Adamus and Evona,” she pointed at the Pinkie and Applejack lookalikes, “Are Pinkie and Applejack’s ancestors.” “Then the pegasi have to be mine and Fluttershy’s. I heard they were called Askus and Emblem,” Rainbow guessed. “Oh my goodness, what a lovely couple they make,” Fluttershy smiled, looking at the painting. “Don’t make this weirder than it already is, Flutters,” Rainbow replied. “Then by process of elimination,” Rarity said, looking at Twilight, “We are descended from the white and lavender unicorns here.” “I would believe so,” Twilight nodded. “They are called Izanagi and Izanami from what I read.” “Then wait,” Pinkie said. “What about Private?” They all looked at me, and I looked down at the last unicorn. “Wait... I know him... Prometheus.” “I’ve never heard of a Prometheus in any book.” Twilight said, looking at the grey unicorn. “He looks, so... sad.” “I think I’ve seen him once,” I explained. “I think, he’s my ancestor, that’s why Tenacity was able to call him.” “When did you see him?” Twilight asked. This, was a little bit harder to explain. I couldn’t rightly say it was from an alternate timeline where Twilight became evil queen number forty seven. So I simply said, “It happened during one of the chantings.” “He does looks really sad,” Fluttershy commented. “He was probably lonely, not having a mate to call his own. Maybe that’s why Angel’s so grumpy all the time, I should try to remedy that when we get back.” “Somehow, I don’t think any female bunny would want to put up with Angel,” Rainbow said, rolling her eyes. “That aside,” Rarity said. “How can Private be descended from this, Prometheus, if he was unwed?” “Maybe he married one of our ancestor’s kids,” Pinkie suggested. “Wait a minute, grey unicorn...” I put a hoof to my chin. “Siblings, two alicorn parents, I remember this!” I looked back at them. “I read a story to Skyla about this! The First Crystal Pony, that’s what happened to him!” “I think you’re right!” Twilight said, pointing at the carving. We looked and sure enough, there was a carving of Prometheus walking away from his family. It then showed him showing up at the Crystal Valley. Then it showed his slow process of creating the first Crystal Pony, because he felt lonely and needed a friend. I saw the Crystal Pony nuzzle Prometheus, and he nuzzled her in turn. “Did he just...” Rarity shook her head. “Create a marefriend?” “At least it’s better than some of the other stuff stallions do when they are lonely,” AJ quipped, tilting her head. “So, that’s how Private is descended from him!” Rainbow deduced. “But wait, does this mean in some weird way Private’s related to every pony in the empire?” “I think so,” I said, looking at Prometheus as he stood in on a balcony with his love. “I think, my ancestor created the Crystal Empire!” Rarity smiled, “Well then, I guess Private can say that to any nobles that try and deny Private and Twilight’s marriage.” “RARITY!” Twilight and I yelled, causing the other mares to giggle. “Uhm... There seems to be more to the story,” Fluttershy whispered, pointing to more carvings. I looked on, the carvings depicted Prometheus with his siblings. There was a large castle in the background. The next few carvings showed the ponies in prosperous nations. Farms were made, pegasi dotted the clouds, and Unicorns built magnificent buildings. Prometheus, however, turned away from these. It showed him with his head bowed, his mate with a hoof on him. It then showed Prometheus pushing her away. Then...there was a detail added...Prometheus’ eyes had emeralds on them. “Just like,” AJ said warily. “Yeah, just like that Sombra meanie pants,” Pinkie commented. “It, can’t be.” Twilight said, turning to me. “You...and Sombra...” I looked down, I never thought it would come out at a time like this. I decided to let it come out. “Sometimes, when my emotions get the best of me, I feel, something strange. I felt it build in me ever since that case with Discord. I felt, powerful, like I could make things how I wanted. I think, it’s dark magic that’s inside me.” They all stared at me for a long time. Nopony said anything. Finally, it was Fluttershy that asked, “But, you don’t use it all the time right?” I shook my head. “It, I don’t really have any control for when it happens. I just, kind of lose it.” “It would explain your rather aggressive behavior sometimes.” Rarity said. “Like when you turned us away back at the garden.” Twilight walked to me. “You’ve been hiding that part of you for that long. Why didn’t you say anything?” “Because, I didn’t know what it was myself until recently,” I admitted. “I wanted more information before I go announcing it to the world. It’s not really something I can control as I explained earlier.” Twilight simply looked into my silver eyes. She lifted a hoof to my cheek and said. “Whatever it is, we’ll find a way to help you keep it in check. I promise you that.” “Twi,” I smiled at her. “You gotta be kidding me!” Rainbow cried from behind us. “The carving’s cut off!” We walked over and saw that indeed the next part of the carving looked only half finished. The last few images depicted Prometheus leading an army towards the castle. It then showed Prometheus with a unicorn, his eyes emeralds. Then it cuts itself off. “That’s Izanami,” Twilight noticed, pointing to the unicorn Prometheus was with. “What is he doing with her?” “If I could hazard a guess.” Rarity said, looking at him. “I would think she was trying to dissuade him from attacking.” “Well, it sucks that we don’t know the ending!” Rainbow huffed. “Wait, there’s stuff after the unfinished stuff.” Pinkie pointed towards the carvings after the blank area. I looked on, and saw that the carving depicted...us. A carving of Twilight, along with all five other elements were surrounding her. They showcased Twilight’s defeat of Nightmare Moon. “Yer tellin me this crazy thing predicted us fightin Nightmare?” AJ asked, looking on the carving. “Not only that,” Fluttershy pointed towards another carving. “I think it shows Private coming in too.” Sure enough, there was a carving of a unicorn wearing my element, he was with the other elements. It showed him nuzzling Twilight’s carving, and showed her with wings. “So, it seems we are made for one another,” Twilight said, nuzzling me. I returned it gently. “I’m really starting to freak out now guys,” Rainbow said, looking on. “Just how far does this thing go?” The rest of the carvings that followed made almost no sense. One showed another unicorn holding the element of magic. One showed some kind of dragon leading others to ponies. Another still showed a pair of unicorns clashing with one another. We looked on the largest carving, the one that seemed to stand out the most. It was a familiar enough picture. It showed alicorns chasing each other across a planet. But instead of the two that you normally see, Celestia and Luna. The carving depicted four, Celestia, Luna, an alicorn traveling between Celestia and Luna one way, in a position where there would be... “Twilight, it’s you!” Rainbow said in realization. “That’s me,” Twilight said, looking at the carving. “They predicted I would become an Alicorn.” “Well, if anypony could become one it’s you, silly filly,” Pinkie smiled. “But, who’s the last one, is that Cadence?” AJ asked, pointing to the last one. I looked at it, the alicorn depicted was no different from the others shape wise. But, her mane appeared to be a reddish if the carving’s old painting is any indication. “Could it be, that there is one more Alicorn we don’t know about?” Rarity asked, putting a hoof on her mouth in shock. “Whoever she is we should try and find her,” Twilight said. “Maybe she’s here, and that’s who Celestia sent us to find.” “Then why not just say,” Rainbow started to imitate Celestia. “Find the Alicorn that may be hiding here.” She went back to her normal voice. “Why give us the cryptic prophecy, this is interesting and all, but how is this going to help us now?” “It won’t,” a voice said from behind us. He looked tired, and battle worn. His armor was dented, and not as shiny as it had been, and his once-smooth blue fur was now darkened with soot, and scorch marks. His blade, Moonsunder I think it was called, looked chipped in some areas but still in good condition. Memories of seeing him wield it did not escape my mind. “How in the horseradish hay did you find us?!” AJ yelled, looking dumbfounded. “Simple,” Lunard said, his voice not showing emotion. “I followed the trail, with Chrysalis distracted the towns folk you led me right to a remote area. In your attempt to get away, you isolated yourselves from any protection.” “Listen here you brute!” Rarity cried. “I don’t care if you are an alicorn, we will not stand by and let you harm Private or anypony!” “That’s right!” Rainbow joined Rarity. “We got the Elements of Harmony right here! We’ll take you down before you can even blink!” “Yeah!” Pinkie yelled. “After all the meanie pants stuff you pulled, you’re gonna get it!” “Nopony tries to hurt our friends!” Fluttershy cried. “Nopony!” Lunard... smiled. “Go ahead,” he said. “Show me this great power of yours.” “You want it?” Twilight asked, her tiara glowing. “Come and get it!” Suddenly all six elements of harmony began glowing brightly. Twilight was lifted into the air along with the others. I wasn’t about to let them fight this alone! The chanting has come... I saw Tenacity glow brightly as I too was lifted into the air. Cords of light came from the element and reached to connect to the others. I lifted my hooves up to Twilight, and started to move the pow- GGGGGGGGAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!! Suddenly I felt a great pain inside me, it was like every voice that was chanting before was now screaming. I yelled in absolute pain as the lines of light turned blue.... The others began yelling in pain, I looked on, Lunard was smiling, his horn aglow with magic. How...was this...possible...? Fluttershy was the first to fall, hitting the floor like a rag doll. Rarity and Pinkie soon followed, not moving when they hit the floor. I saw in horror as Applejack and Rainbow hit the ground next, they didn’t even twitch. Lastly...Twilight fell and hit the ground hard. I fell to the ground myself, I stood on my hooves and looked over at the others. They were lying on the ground, unconscious and not moving. The had passed but my anger only grew. I glared at Lunard. “What did you do?!” “I used your element’s power,” Lunard said, as if I was a student and he was a teacher. “Your element can empower the others, but it can also drain them to the point of near death. Sadly, you cannot be drained of Tenacity’s power, so that is why you are awake.” “How the hell did you do this?” I asked, dumbfounded. “How is this even possible?” “Simple,” Lunard said, his blue eyes looking at me. “I made your Element.” “What?!” I cried, in absolute shock. “You, made Tenacity?” “Fifteen hundred years ago, a star fell from the sky. Inside of it were six jewels of immense power. The power was divided among the gems to make sure that only those that work together can use them. However, there was one part of the star that wasn’t made into an element. It was the diamond layer that protected the precious gems inside. To make sure none could use the power of the elements against me, I used that layer to create the Element of Tenacity. Sadly, I never got to use it before it was stolen from me by Voidera.” I was just, dumbfounded. My element could do this? It could cause such suffering and pain. I can’t imagine what the others must have felt... Then, Lunard’s horn glowed, and both of us vanished... _________________________________________________________________ I woke up and felt the wind all around me. I stood and saw I was atop a tower overlooking the Everfree forest. I looked down it and saw I was atop the ruins. Lunard teleported me here! I looked behind me, and saw the alicorn looking at me. “Now, none can interrupt us.” “Why do you want me, Lunard?!” I cried. “What did I ever do to you?” “The dark magic within you is a taint that must be removed,” he said, almost mindlessly. “You had the gall to hurt my friends because of that?!” I yelled. “Friends? Is that what you called them? Or mere shields to throw in front of yourself when faced with a real opponent.” “Shut up!” I yelled. “They are my friends! Twilight above any of them is very important to me!” He slowly laughed, “Your love for her is obvious! No wonder you are such a fool!” “I’ve had enough of you!!!” I screamed, pulling out Blackbird and shooting at the Alicorn. The bullets ricocheted off his armor. I managed to hit one of his wings however, I’m guessing he hasn’t encountered firearms quite yet. He grunted at the pain. “Filthy mongrel!” He swung his massive sword at me. I managed to roll out of the way in time. I reloaded Blackbird and fired at his wings again, that ought to keep him from flying away. He yelled in pain but managed to swing his sword around. The blade hit Blackbird and sent her flying over the edge. I reached into my Trench coat and pulled out White Tiger, the silenced pistol was now filled with very lethal bullets. I aimed and shot at a weak point in the armor, a hole above his shoulder. He roared in pain, and then....that’s when it happened. His horn glowed and the bullets literally came out of his flesh. Why is it that guns never work?! Just once I’d like an all powerful being to be beaten by a shot to the head! Just once! I saw as his wounds slowly healed, this guy had healing magic? No fair! “Primitive weaponry,” He commented, levitating up one of the bullets. “In my time we had weaponry that fired pure magical bolts using crystals. I see without a race of all magical beings you could not create such.” “Then let’s settle this the old fashioned way!” I yelled, pulling out Silver Wolf from it’s sheath. “You plan to settle it this way?” he asked. “Very well, if you wish to die on your hooves, then I will honor that.” “I’m not planning on dying!” I yelled, holding the blade in my magic. “Because I have something to live for!” I charged at him, swinging Silver Wolf at him. He blocked the blade with his own. “Hmm, one of Voidera’s blades. Strong and capable, but hardly a match for Moonsunder!” He then swung his blade and hit Silver Wolf hard. I swinged the blade hard, hitting Moonsunder. Our blades danced and clashed with one another. Our battle was a chorus of steel and it sang throughout the battle. I felt the fatigue as the battle drew on. We stood apart from one another, both of us breathing heavily. Lunard spoke, “You have some skill with the blade, few have ever managed to hold on this long.” “I’m not exactly looking for compliments,” I glowered. “Do you think you can defeat me? I’m hardly using any magical energy at all. You however, are a hybrid and therefore can barely hold your sword after this.” “Then....” I reached into my pockets, and set Silver Wolf aside. I pulled out what I knew Luna slipped into my pockets. “I’m going to need some help, some very old friends.” “So, you discovered that power of Tenacity.” Lunard said, holding Moonsunder in a fighting stance. “Let us see what you do with it...” “It’s time...” I glared at him. “You faced the beast!” I slipped the medallion around my neck. “HENSHIN!!!” I transformed into a larger and more muscular unicorn, with a dark gray coat. Suddenly I could see much better in the growing darkness of the falling night, as my eyes became slitted. My magic wielded a pair gladiuses, their hilts purple. My armor was violet and the medallion took the form of an open eye on my chest. I felt fangs form in my mouth to match my rather scary appearance. Lunard actually looked impressed, “Luna, so you have perfected it.” “Forget there’s a fight going on?” I growled, lifting both blades and charging at him. I began swinging them both with vigor. Lunard barely had time to react to my attacks as I unleashed a relentless assault on him. I managed to actually leave several deep marks on Moonsunder. Lunard’s horn glowed and he fired a bolt of magic at me, sending me flying. I worked with the momentum, flipped and landed on my hooves. I looked down at myself, saw a cord of light going to my side. I saw Eclipse standing there, he smiled and his horn glowed. I looked at my blades, and saw that they were coated with some kind of fire and ice magic. This gave me an idea! I dashed towards Lunard and began swinging at him with the fire sword. He blocked it but I kept swinging at him. He laughed. “So, you think to heat my blade? I’m not touching it! I will not be affected no matter how hot it gets!” I looked at the blade, and saw it was hot enough. I then began swinging at it with the ice blade. The blade started cooling rapidly...chem 101... Lunard leaped back and looked at his frozen blade. “What?” “Let’s give you a little science lesson!” I said, smirking “What happens when metal is heated quickly, and then cooled quickly?” “Clever...” Lunard said. I saw another cord of light, and saw Littlepip standing on my other side. Her horn glowed and various guns began appearing around me. I aimed them all at the sword and the guns all fired. Lunard was able to put up with the first few assaults, blocking it with a shield spell. But over time his spell wore out and one weapon shot a type slug and hit the blade. The other weapons fired upon the now brittle metal and eventually started cracking it. I then leaped myself and delivered a swift kick to Moonsunder, the blade broke in two. I leaped back, breathing heavily as Lunard looked on his broken blade. “Ha, so much for Moonsunder huh?” Lunard...smiled again. “You are clever, I will give you that mongrel. But once again, you are outmatched...” His horn glowed, and so did the blade. The blade sparked blue and reforged itself.... Alchemy, this guy knew it too? “You are capable, but you have barely mastered a tenth of your element’s power.” Lunard said. “Doesn't matter!” I shouted. “I’ll still defeat you!” “Do not think yourself so powerful, you could fight me for a century and still not come close.” Lunard replied, “You cannot defeat me. You will fall...” “I won’t let you win!” I yelled. “The darkness within you will only destroy her.” Lunard said. “What?” “Your dark magic, I can practically smell it on you, that magic will only bring great suffering. Years ago your ancestor used that dark magic to bring about the end of the Old Kingdoms in this era. He destroyed countless cities and ended many lives...” Prometheus, did that? “But, his greatest sin was not that. You, are the result of that sin. When she tried to dissuade him Prometheus gave into his darkest desire and laid claim to Izanami in her own room....your ancestor comes from that sinful line...” No...Twilight’s line...and mine...he did... “Do you wonder why you desire her so? It is because your ancestors have always chased Izanami’s line in one form or another. But the truth is, such a sin can never be forgiven! I stand as the seeker of justice! I will bring about the end of you line. And once your line is ended...I will make Twilight...into a proper princess...” “No...” I growled. “The true power...is within me...” I saw a mist begin to come from him..Miasma...”It will grant her immeasurable power. It will cast away any lingering emotions and bring about a true Equestria. One without mongrels and hybrids and disgusting remnants! A world where true order will be maintained! No dark magic! No sin! No corruption! All will be perfect!” “I won’t let you Lunard!” I cried. “That corruption is the Miasma! I’ve felt it’s affects myself! You can’t let it win!” “If you will not turn...then perhaps...she...will...” “NOOOOOOOOOOO!” I began swinging both of my blades at him. I didn’t care about any style or finesse! This guy threatened Twilight! He threatened to create that horrible future! He won’t do this! I refuse! I kept wailing on him, not letting up for a minute as pure instinct took over. HE DIES NOW! Shink.... I felt....it enter me....the sword.... “You and Voidera are much alike,” Lunard said. “You both are strong in your own rights. But in the end, you are both....disasters waiting to happen...so caught up in your instinct, that I am forced to stop you...here...and now.” I felt the blood leave my body...I...felt....cold.... I dropped the blades...felt the...magic...leave...body...becoming...n...normal... Can...can’t...br...breath...going....more...cold.... I felt the sword come...out....I felt...my life....sl...slipping...away....I hit...the ground.... Twilight...I....love...you....
Chapter 7 "Rise of Hope"Chapter 7 “Rise of Hope” Perspective: Twilight Sparkle I groaned as my eyes opened. What happened? I feel like a tree Applejack bucked one gazillion times. I remember, we were using the Elements on Lunard. Then, something went wrong when Private used his. Where is Private? I got to my hooves, ignoring the pain I felt in them, I looked around the chamber, there was no sign of Private or Lunard anywhere! I ran over to Rainbow and nudged her. “Come on, wake up guys.” “What in the hoary horseradished hay was that...?” AJ grumbled as she came around. Pinkie slowly awoke too. “I dunno, but I feel all woozy and stuff. Was that supposed to happen?” “I believe, darlings, that somehow our spell was sabotaged.” Rarity explained, getting up herself. Rainbow awoke after more prodding from me. “Not now mommy, til next year...WHOA!” She shot up straight. “What happened to the bad guy! Did we disintegrate him or something?” “I don’t think so,” Fluttershy said, leaning on Rarity for support as she collected herself. “Where’s Private?” “That’s what I want to know,” I said, shaking my head. “He’s not here, you don’t think he- come on girls!” I then took off for the stairs, the others followed behind me. There was no way! Private would never! No... We got back up to the main chamber, it was deserted too. Rainbow shook her head as she joined me “They must’ve teleported or something. It’ll take us ages to find them.” “Maybe I can find them with a scrying spell.” I said, concentrating my magic. I opened my eyes and found myself outside the palace. Wow! A scrying spell has never been this easy before! Thank you Alicorn magic! Before me a battle raged, a furious pony that looked like a darkened version of my Private wearing Night Guard armor was swinging two gladiuses at Lunard’s greatsword. And boy was that stallion mad! He was swinging his swords with all his might at Lunard, there was something almost, savage about the fighting style. It seemed weird for Private to fight like that, he’s usually so calm...what did Lunard say to him? Private kept wailing on him, striking with blows that only came out as blurs in my eyes. But...no... Lunard...he...he saw through his style and.... The sword...went into Private...his magic armor was gone...he... “PRIVATE!!!!” My horn glowed brightly in reality as I screamed. I teleported all of us out. _________________________________________________________ We all appeared on the roof where Private was. I looked down at him...he wasn’t moving...he wasn’t.... “Private!” Before the others could stop me I ran to him and knelt over his body, tears pouring down my face. The one stallion I ever loved. The only stallion I could ever love. How could this possibly happen?! I picked up Private’s head, and held it gently in my forelegs. I looked at his face and sobbed, “Private, Private come on say something. You, this can’t be the end.” I felt more tears coming along. “You, you always have a plan, something, anything to get out of this. Private, come on...wake up...don’t...” I wailed, hugging him to me as my tears flowed openly. Private...was....gone.... No...I can’t...I won’t believe it.... I don’t want him gone! I can’t! I have magic! I can heal him! OF ALL THE SPELLS I COULD’VE LEARNED WHY DIDN'T I LEARN HOW TO BRING HIM BACK! I looked over, Rainbow was beside me, so were the others. Looks of shock were evident on everyponies faces. I saw Fluttershy fighting the urge to cry, Pinkie was already weeping. Rarity looked down at Private, a look of disbelief on her face. AJ and Rainbow however, only looked forward. They looked up at Lunard. Rainbow was the first one to leap at him. “You bastard!!” Lunard simply dodged out of the way of Rainbow, but not before his leg was lassoed by Applejack. “Yer gonna pay fer that ya punk!” She pulled hard, causing Lunard to fall. Lunard then bucked Rainbow as she was about to tackle him from behind. “You are all truly pathetic, your weeping over a pony that was responsible for your failing to stop me! A useless hybrid who could never in a million years defeat me!” “YOU BRUTE!!!” Rarity screamed, leaping into the fray herself. “You horrid, murdering CAD of a monstrosity!” she added, using all her martial arts moves to land blows on Lunard’s face and body. “As if any of you could defe-” Suddenly the king was faced with a certain cannon. “Party cannon go BOOOMMM!!!” Pinkie fired the cannon and the ball hit Lunard square in the chest armor. It sent him flying back but he eventually recovered herself. All five of my friends were standing there. “You are fools, your elements have been drained,” Lunard glowered at us. “You cannot possibly hope to best me!” “Yeah, well we sure as hay can try!” Rainbow yelled, punching her hooves together. “RAINBOW!” They all turned to look at me, I laid Private’s head gently down. I walked over to my friends, looked up defiantly into the eyes of Lunard and said: “You. Are. Mine.” With that, all six of us leaped at him. This is for you, Private! I will not let him get away with this! I don’t care if I have to use every spell at my disposal! I will make him suffer for ever laying a hoof on you!!! _________________________________________________________________ Perspective: Raiden Bolt It’s starting to feel a bit helpless. Here we are, seven ponies in kickass suits, and the bugs are still coming! It seems like every bug we take down, two rise to take their place. Is there some kinda spell doing this? This isn’t fun, anymore. Seriously. “Stars above, this feels a bit like the Royal Wedding combined with Mount Ashbringer,” Queenie groaned, sounding tired. I looked over and saw Firestormer was wrestling two changelings as they flew towards a nearby building and crashed into it. I looked myself and saw a pair of Changelings were flying towards me! Man! Chrysie has been busy! How many of these things does she have? I aimed my hoof at one and zapped him with a lightning bolt. I then turned around and kicked the other in the jaw. Both plummeted towards the battle below. “Sir, power levels are at 25%, we are barely able to stay aloft with that level,” Neko warned as I dodged another changeling trying to bite me, sending it over to Squall so he could have at it. “Neko I know the math!” I cried, dodging and zapping another changeling. “Now it’s at twenty four percent. Sir at the rate we are fighting I can estimate that we will completely lose power in about seven minutes.” “What about auxiliary power?” I asked, punching a changeling that was dumb enough to get too close. “That is our auxiliary power” Neko said, very seriously. This isn’t good, this is very not good. I looked up and saw a swarm of the bastards flying towards Ponyville. I can’t let those reinforcements get to Ponyville! “Neko! Activate Program Thunderbird!” I yelled, zooming towards the changelings. “Sir I strongly advise against it, at the low power rate we have we will have 0% power by the time it’s finished. I cannot guarantee your safety after the program is executed.” “I made a promise to Rainbow I’d look after this town! I promised Private I’d keep it safe! Damn it! I’m not breaking a promise right now if I can help it! I’m tired of running away! I’m rushing this problem head on!” …..”Thunderbird.exe activating.” I spread my wings to their full length as lightning sparked around me. Soon my body was almost completely enveloped in electricity. Raiun hoped this program would never have to be used. Bro, if you can see me now, this one’s for you... The Changelings looked on in shock and awe as I zoomed towards them. I made impact.... KAZAPPP!!! An explosion of lightning shot around me, zapping all of them and charring anypony near ground zero of the blast. Next thing I knew, I was falling with the changelings. Plummeting towards the earth a second time, only..there was nopony to catch me. Rainbow, I hope you could see that... I’m here without you baby, but you’re still on my lonely mind, I think about you baby, and I dream about you all the time.... _____________________________________________________________________ Perspective: Spike I looked up as Raiden fired that explosion in the sky. I would spend ten seconds simply digesting how awesome it was if I wasn’t occupied. I blasted a stream of fire into the face of a changeling as I fought near the library. If only I could grow, I could stomp on these bugs like, well bugs. I clawed at another bug trying to get at me. If only I could remember how I did it last time. Anypony got a hat nearby? Two bugs were about to pounce on me, when suddenly they got hit by a pair of fireworks. I looked behind me and saw Trixie aiming her horn at them. Normally her fireworks were cheap showcases, but they apparently still hurt at close range. “The great and powerful Trixie will not have Twilight’s pet dragon squashed,” she said, tossing her silvery blue mane. “Yeah, well...” I fired a fireball at a bug about to ambush her. “Twilight’s pet dragon can take care of himself thank you!” More bugs came at us, surrounding us completely. Trixie looked at them as we stood back to back. “Trixie never thought she would die fighting with a dragon.” “How about,” I looked back at her. “Fighting with a friend?” She smiled slowly, “I, I could like that very much.” With that, we both leaped into the fray again. ____________________________________________________________________ Perspective: Private Eye I opened my eyes to white, pure white all around me. I remember this place. I got up on my legs and looked around. There was nothing around me. What happened? How did I get here? Wait! Lunard! He stabbed me! I felt my chest fur, I didn’t even feel a scar where he stabbed. In fact, I wasn’t injured at all here. How is thi- “This possible? Because I willed it so my little pony,” I heard a familiar voice speak up behind me. I turned around, and beheld Faust before me. The white, red maned alicorn was smiling gently at me. Her blue eyes showed gentleness despite all that’s happened. “Faust!” I cried. “Lunard, he stabbed me! I...” “Died,” She answered for me. “Sadly, your wounds were too grievous to save you.” “I’m, dead?” I said slowly, my voice showcasing my shock. “I’m sorry Private, but it is true.” she said, her voice showing sadness. “No I can’t die now!” I yelled, running about. “I have to get back! I have to stop Lunard! He’ll...” “Private, please calm down,” she soothed, her voice still gentle. “Calm down?!” I yelled at her “I just died! Where the-” I remembered I was talking to a goddess, “Heck, am I?” “You stand at the border between life and death.” Faust explained. “I stopped you from going all the way.” “You, saved me?” I asked, looking at her. “But why? I failed. Lunard used Tenacity against the others. He’ll destroyed everything, all because of me.” I looked down. “I failed them, I failed everypony. I let them all down.” Faust, slowly smiled and lifted my face with a hoof. “You believe yourself solely responsible?” “Yes, I do,” I admitted. “The Private from three years ago would never had admitted such a thing.” She said, her blue eyes looking at my grey ones. “Your pride has melted away Private Eye, revealing you as you are. That pride, was clouding your true destiny from your eyes.” “But, aren’t I the element of Tenacity?” I asked. “That’s a big enough destiny. Then, there’s the dark magic inside me. I wonder, how much pain did I cause using it?” Faust was quiet for a moment, then she said, “Lunard, may have created your Element, but he never understood it.” “What?” I asked, tilting my head. “Tenacity, is a horrid name for an element. One’s will to succeed can lead one to greatness. But it leads down a path of arrogance and pride. It causes one to ignore the consequences of others, and see only the ends to justify the means. Pride does lead to the fall, as one’s goals are completed via tenacity, they build castles of sand. Once the waves come, their accomplishments crumble,” she said it in such a sagely tone, I couldn’t help but listen to every word. “Then, if my element isn’t Tenacity, then what is it?” I asked. “What is my destiny! Tell me!” I looked around, suddenly, screens started appearing everywhere. I saw, me! The images were of me at various points in my life. Only I was never alone in any of them. I was always with somepony, whether it be Rainbow saving my life at Cloudsdale, Spike and I goofing off together at the library. Another one depicted Big Mac and I at the Snowlands. Another still showed me encouraging Moongale at Trottingham. Many more showed all these things in my life. “You’ve touched so many lives Private Eye, so many call you a friend.” She smiled at a screen of me and Twilight. “And some even more.” I then saw Dad, Tailspin and I, all hugging. “You’ve mended bridges and brought peace where once was anger.” “You’re not going to turn me into an Alicorn are you?” I asked, to sate my curiosity. “No,” Faust answered with a smile. “Just checking,” I chuckled, looking back at the screens. Faust gave an almost ethereal sounding laugh. “Anyways, what I am trying to say is that, Private your Element never was Tenacity. Yours...was always...Hope.” “Hope?” I repeated quizzically, looking at her. “Tenacity was named because Lunard believed his own deeds would cause him to succeed. You however, reached to others, to inspire them to become more than they could ever be. Hope isn’t something one pony can keep alive. For even the greatest of heroes have followers, ponies they inspire to help carry the burden of the world.” I felt a weight on my neck, and saw Tenacity was there...but...its diamond...was cracking. A bright light shown as the diamond completely shattered. I shielded my eyes from the light. I heard a voice cry in the background. “You cannot seal me! My time is incomplete! I must-” “You’ve done enough damage Prometheus,” I heard Faust respond to the voice. “Rest, your time will come soon.” “Let me see her! Please I beg of you!!!” “Patience, that is all I ask. All will be made right.” Faust soothed. “You must not use Private to further your own deeds. His love for Izanami’s descendent is his own, not yours. Rest, and be content that I have shown mercy to you.” A bright light enveloped me... _______________________________________________________ I was standing in a black area, in actually I was standing in a spotlight in a black area. I looked down, and saw my violin was there. I don’t know why, but I felt the urge to levitate it up, put the bow to the strings, and begin playing. As the first notes started, I saw a cord of light come from tena-no, Hope, and reach to another spotlight. Standing there was Eclipse, playing some kind of flute, wait, was that an Ocarina? I kept playing my part, and then heard...piano notes. I looked as another cord of light reached to a spotlight. Nocturne appeared, his horn glowing as his magic played the keys of a large piano. For some reason, I knew what to play, I knew what cues they were going to give me. We were a band playing for the first time... Now all we needed, When I am down, There’s our singer...I looked up, it was Littlepip. Her voice was a little rough, but she sang with such earnestness I couldn’t help but smile. She was not clad in her typical jumpsuit, but instead a rather pretty blue dress. Huh, when she cleaned up she was rather cute. She smiled and went on as a chord of light went to her. And oh my soul’s so weary, When troubles come, and my heart, burden be Then I am still, awake here in my silence, I saw another cord and there was another singer with Littlepip. Twinkle... The little lavender filly was clad in a pretty blue dress herself. Littlepip smiled and lowered the mic for her. Twinkle sang with a much clearer and practiced voice. Until you come, and sit awhile, with me. The two smiled at me, and then at one another. A second mic formed for Littlepip as the next part of the song began. The two voices blended into a duet. You raise me up! So I can stand on mountains! You raise me up! To walk on stormy seas! I am strong, when I am on, your shoulders You raise me up, to more than I can be! More and more chords of light came from me as ponies surrounded us. They sang along, all of us singing this beautiful song of hope. You raise me up! So I can stand on mountains! You raise me up! To walk on stormy seas! And I am strong! When I am on, your shoulders! You raise me up! To more than I can be! The song slowed, and I sang the last line. You raise me up, to more than I...can...be... Hope...will never die... I watched as Faust appeared in the center of our band. She smiled and said, “You Preventus Phelps Eye, are the Element, of Hope!” I looked at my Element, the diamond was gone. But in it’s place was a gleaming silver jewel. It took the form of my cutie mark, a magnifying glass. Faust then looked to me “Now, awaken...” A bright light enveloped my eyes again...I’m gonna need glasses before this is done... _____________________________________________________________ My eyes opened, and I gasped, and coughed a bit, then rubbed my eyes, hearing the sounds of battle, up ahead. I slowly got to my feet, and discovered that all six of my friends were fighting Lunard! Fluttershy wailed on him, while Rainbow carried out an aerial assault. Applejack got in her two hind-legs’ worth, every now and again, as Pinkie took every opportunity to blast Lunard with her party cannon. Rarity seemed to be using a clever combination of pelting him with rubble, and martial arts moves. While Twilight stood here, blasting Lunard with spell after spell. Wow, Twilight knows a lot of spells. Again, is it possible to be scared shitless and turned on by her? Short answer yes, long answer hell yes. “Enough!” Lunard’s horn glowed and he fired a shockwave that sent the others flying towards Twilight. They all crashed in front of her. Lunard glared at Twilight. “You six have lost, you refuse to acknowledge that!” “We ain’t givin up!” AJ yelled, getting to her hooves. “Private never did!” Rainbow reminded him, doing the same. “We’re never going to let a meanie pants like you get away with hurting our friend!” Pinkie cried, springing to her hooves. “A murderous brute like you would never understand!” Rarity yelled, climbing to her hooves. “How dare you even think you could do this!” Fluttershy roared, her assertiveness taking over. “We’ll stop you Lunard!” Twilight called, crouching into a fighting stance with her friends. “Even if I have to use every magic in existence I will make you pay for killing Private!” I then, took a step. They all tensed up as they heard my hoof step. They turned to look at me, dirty, ragged, a trench coat so torn Rarity will probably freak when she sees what she volunteered to fix, and blood on my chest and fedora. Their eyes, widened considerably. Lunard yelled incredulously “Impossible! I killed you!” “You’re about to learn a hard lesson, Lunard,” I said, a smile on my face. “I’m extreamly hard to kill.” Twilight’s eyes welled with tears as she ran to me. “Private!!!” I held open my forelegs and hugged her tightly to me. The others all stared, not believing their eyes. I held Twilight tenderly, stroking her mane and saying “It’s okay Twilight, I’m back, I’m here.” “But, how is this possible, darling?” Rarity asked, dumbfounded. “Does it matter?” Rainbow grinned. “Private didn’t die!” “I’d throw you a ‘glad you came back from the dead and we’re really really happy to see you again’ party,” Pinkie quipped, “But, we still got a really mad meanie pants to deal with.” I broke Twilight’s embrace and walked forward. The others all stood around me. Lunard laughed. “You fool! Do you really want a repeat performance?” His horn glowed, and I felt Hope come out. “I’ll just drain you all aga-” I smirked as my Element glowed, Lunard’s eyes went wide as his spell failed to work. Lunard stood astounded. “No! It’s not possible! I made Tenacity! I have control!” “You may have had control then!” I yelled, slowly rising into the air as Hope grew brighter. “But you will never be able to control the true element! The true Seventh Element of Harmony! Hope!” They all looked at me as I rose, my element shining in the evening sky. I then spread my hooves. “EVERYPONY FIGHT BACK!” Thousands of cords of light shot from my element. They all went for Ponyville... ________________________________________________________________ Perspective: Raiden Dude, who turned on the light show? I watched as thousands of streams of light moved towards Ponyville. Was it some kind of weapon? Well, I was falling now, so there was nothing I could do when one moved towards me. It connected...I felt...20% more awesome! “Power restored at 300%” Neko said. “Cool,” I smiled and opened my wings again, launching into the air. At the highest point I just began blasting any Changeling I could find. They all stopped as I kept zapping them. For once...they started to look scared... Aww yeah... I flew into the sky, spinning in the air around a group of storm clouds. Then I pumped them full of electricity and the cloud zapped changelings left and right. I smiled and kept zapping away all the extra power. This is so awesome! Private, somehow I think you got something to do with this. Thanks dude, now to get back to bug zapping! _______________________________________________________ Perspective: Spike I looked as the one of the streams of light flew towards me. I covered my eyes as it came. But, when it did I saw it was attached to my chest...I felt...bigger... My muscles bulged, my whole body gained length, and soon I was towering over the library! I remember, vaguely, being this tall, before, but then I had lost all cognitive thought! Now... Now I can put this size to good use! I sent gout after gout of flame to burn the changeling infestation out of the skies! My tail swatted changelings away from Ponyville. This time, though, I could be careful about what I destroy, not that the Changelings cared, but my friends and family in Ponyville DO care. And I will show them I’m not some monster. I roared loudly and the Changelings began turning tail and running. I sent fireballs after them! That’s right! Run! Never threaten my home or my family again! Ponyville is my home! I will never see it taken over by you freaks! ___________________________________________________________ Perspective: Shining Armor I blocked a dagger swing from that witch. Cadence and I had been fighting for a while now I was starting to feel the burn. I just hoped Twili and the others were okay. Private better not have gotten her hurt! Chrysalis had suffered a lot of battle scars as well. One of her wings was shredded and she had to walk with a limp thanks to a sword swing from me. She leaped back using her one good wing and glared at both of us. “How is it I cannot kill you two? You disgusting ponies should’ve died!” She yelled at us. “You’ll never win Chrysalis, you know that,” Cadence said, breathing a little heavily. She must be tired as well. “You fools!” She laughed. “With my army I can simply crush you two on a whim!” “Oh, you mean the army that’s running away?” I asked, pointing behind her. Sure enough, Chrysalis’ army was being outmatched by a suddenly revitalized Ponyville defense. Spike had gotten huge and was torching and clawing any bug that got too close. Raiden was flying through the air and zapping bugs with reckless abandon. The changelings were almost all in full retreat. “You cowards!” Chrysalis called. “Come back! Fight damn you!” “It’s over Chrysalis!” Cadence cried “You lost!” “I may have lost this miserable town,” She said, looking dangerously at us. “But I can still have vengeance!” She leaped towards us, dagger in her magic and a crazed look in her eye... Then I felt a stream of light touch me, I felt stronger than ever! I leaped into Chrysalis’ path, and swung my sword on her dagger. The blade came clean off and the witch was left with a useless hilt. Cadence then came from behind me, a stream of light attached to her as well, and she fired a blast of pure magical energy at the witch. Chrysalis was sent flying into a nearby ruined wall. Cadence and I walked up to her, just as her army was being routed by the others. The changeling queen was on the ground, breathing raggedly. She looked up at us, “What are you waiting for? Kill me...” I was about to lift my sword, when Cadence held up a hoof to stop me. “Cady?” “What will it prove Shining Armor?” my wife said to me. “There is a way to stop her without killing her.” Chrysalis laughed weakly but cruelly. “You child, I will only hunt you down later. I have nothing left in my heart except for the desire of revenge for what you both did to me.” “Maybe, if you had something else in your heart...” Cadence’s horn glowed blue and I saw a little heart come out of it. Her love spell? “No! What are you doing?” Chrysalis asked, her eyes fearful. “Giving you the love you once treasured. I know you can change Chrysalis, I don’t believe that there are truly evil beings in the world. All creatures desire love and care, whether they know it or not.” “You are naive,” Chrysalis said, looking down. “I don’t want your love, it weakens me!” “Just because you don’t want it,” The heart went to Chrysalis. “Doesn't mean I can’t give it.” The heart went inside Chrysalis and slowly the blue markings faded on her. The Changeling Queen looked at Cadence as her eyes seemed to brighten. My wife smiled at her. But then in a green flash Chrysalis was gone. I let Cadence fall on me as the fatigue from the battle finally caught up to her. She looked up at me with weak violet eyes. “Am I naive Shining Armor, to believe such a thing?” “No,” I smiled. “It just shows you’re optimistic, not everypony would’ve done what you did. It only makes me love you all the more.” “Shining,” she planted a kiss on me. As we kissed everypony around us cheered, the battle for Ponyville was over! We had won! __________________________________________________________ Perspective: Private Eye I reached out, more streams of light came from Hope, even touching the fighters of Canterlot, turning the tide there. Soon the changeling army wouldl fall, this power was amazing! I looked at Lunard, shock evident on his face. He growled and his eyes seemed to glow. “I killed you once you mongrel, I can do so again! With or without an army!” “You will never win Lunard! For you’re about to witness a power greater than anything the Miasma can offer!” I held out my hooves, and the streams of light touched each of my friend’s elements. The chanting came, this time it felt like the whole world was doing it too. Lunard roared and before my very eyes the Miasma came out, taking the form of a monstrous head. “I will destroy you all! Just as I should’ve wiped out you miserable mongrels fifteen hundred years ago!” The girls slowly lifted into the air around me as the miasma tried to fly towards us. We all held up a hoof at the same time and a shield blocked it. I looked to each girl around me. Loyalty Honesty Generosity Laughter Kindness I took the power from each of these elements onto my own. I then looked at Twilight, she smiled at me and said “There is one power you can add.” She then kissed me lovingly and I felt power flow through me. Love Magic Hope I then saw Twilight fly into the air and look at the miasma, I lifted my hooves into the air towards her. The cords of light combined into a single sphere and flew up towards her. The magic entered Twilight and her eyes glowed brightly. The miasma shrieked at the sight of her. Time to show this beast, that friendship, and love, is truly magic! Twilight flapped her wings once and her horn fired into the miasma, launching a rainbow beam that hit it hard. The substance let out an ear piercing screech of pain but Twilight didn’t let up. “Nooo!!” Lunard cried as the beam passed through the miasma and hit him full blast. The beam sent Lunard over the edge and he plummeted down to earth. The miasma tried to get at Twilight, but I flew up and got in the way. “You will never touch her!” My eyes glowed and my own horn fired a beam of light that hit the miasma hard. It was like a black hole had formed and the miasma was sucked into it. Soon, the dark substance vanished forever into nothingness. It was over, the miasma was gone, and Lunard and his army had been defeated... Hope turned the tide.
EpilogueCase 25 Epilogue Perspective: Lunard I felt it leave me as I fell. For the first time in fifteen hundred years, the miasma was gone. But how? How could a mongrel discover things about Tenacity that not even I, its creator, not know about? And another thing, how was he able to disregard my spell? I should’ve been able to drain his el- Wait, could it be? My magic was weakened, all this time fighting and using magic had caused my mane to lose it’s ethereal nature. I felt, weak beyond compare. All this fighting, she knew it would drain me! She knew I would eventually wear myself down to the point where I couldn’t stand against his spell. She also lured me here, knowing that the ponies here would stand and fight alongside him. All this time, she knew he would discover a way to unlock that power. In my attempts to isolate him here to destroy the stallion, she knew that he would be far enough away so that no changeling could interfere. She used my own plan against me. She...Celestia...my daughter....you’ve beaten me... I, as a father, could never be more proud, my little sunshine... CRASH!!!! ____________________________________________________________ Perspective: Private Eye When it was over we all collapsed on the tower roof. I sighed in relief. Pinkie then subsequently sprung to her hooves. “That was AMAZERIFFIC! First you were all ‘Bleh! I’m dead!’, and we were all ‘Oh no! Private’s dead!’, Then Twilie’s all saddy waddy, then AJ and Dashie see Lunard, an’ they’re all GRRR!, and he’s all GRRRR, and Twilie’s all ‘He’s MINE!’, and you guys wailed on him, and I blasted him with my party cannon, then... Private is ALIIIIVE! WHOO! And he goes up in the air, and out comes this LIGHT, WHOOSH! Then Private sends beams to us, and kisses Twilie, and this big ball of light comes out, and BOOOOOOM! Lunie goes DOOOOOOWN!” “Can we say,” Rainbow said, sitting up. “Best win EVER?” “I do believe it was quite the victory darlings,” Rarity said, and then glared at me. “I do believe you’ve left quite a lot of work for me, Private, your coat is in tatters.” I chuckled nervously and said, “Could just make a new one...” Rarity’s eyes glowed. “Oh yes! IDEEA!!” She then went on chatting to herself of how the new design will be and I quote “Spectacular, heroic and fabulous!” “Hey, where’d that Lunard fella go?” AJ asked, looking over the edge. We all walked toward it and looked down at the mist. Twilight narrowed her eyes. “I can’t see anything from here. who knows how far it goes?” Fluttershy looked concerned. “I just hope he didn’t hurt himself too much in the-” We all gave Fluttershy a flat look. “Just a thought.” “Now now, no need to be too hard on her, darlings,” Rarity explained. “She is the Element of Kindness, after all, and a big part of kindness is empathy. True he was an enemy, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t use our empathy.” Rarity subsequently went back to her thoughts about my coat. “Well, at least he’s taken care of,” Rainbow added. “Wherever he is.” “Yeah we should all be-” I was cut off when Twilight practically tackled me to the ground. I looked up at my now Alicorn marefriend as she looked down at me. She slowly smiled, “It seems even death can’t keep you away huh?” “Nah,” I said, running a hoof on her cheek. “I have too many reasons to stay alive.” She then lowered her head, her lips moving towards mine, ignoring the girls giggles and just focusing on me... It...rained... I felt the drops of water come down on all of us. Everfree’s weather works on it’s own without Pegasi influence. Twilight held her wings up to shelter us two. Rarity complained (not whined) about her mane getting wet. AJ chuckled at her drama and Pinkie began splashing about in the newly forming puddles. Rainbow looked up at the sky and groaned, “Ugh, this is why I hate coming here. It’s like the weather is saying ‘ha ha you can’t control me’.” She then went over to act as an umbrella for Fluttershy. I slowly got out from under Twilight, and looked up at the rain falling on my hat and muzzle. I smiled. “Private?” Twilight asked, coming to sit beside me “You okay?” After a while, I said, “I’ve never felt better in my whole life.” It just...seemed fitting. “I’m singing, in the rain! I’m singing in the rain! Oh what glorious feeling I’m happy again!” I sang, taking Twilight’s hooves and dancing with her. We all laughed and danced in the rain, celebrating our victory at last. Rain, you have crazy timing...but are definitely welcome... I like the rain. ______________________________________________________________________ Perspective: Voidera We teleported as the rain started over Everfree. The forest was gloomy, yet strangely welcoming in the rain. The drops dripped from the limbs, and soaked into the thirsty ground, and the whole forest seemed more... well... alive. Tia and I walked in the rain, our weakened magic casting a shield to keep us dry. I looked over at her. “They did it.” “I knew they would,” Tia said proudly. “They are my student and her friends after all.” “Luna is recovering now,” I told her. “The doctors said she should be ready for duty again in a few days. Her magic may take longer to recover as she hasn’t returned to full power.” “So long as she is with us I am happy,” Tia replied, smiling. “She made me very proud today. I only hope she will recover swiftly and safely.” “We’re here, Tia,” I declared, moving aside some bushes to where we knew he would land. And there he was. His mane looked like an ordinary mane now, his armor was dented and scorched, and there were marks from what looked like a serious beating. He even looked like he’d taken a cannon blast, point-blank. His breathing, though, was shallow, and he did not wake up when we approached. It was...hard to see such a stallion I once admired come to this state. Tia was taking it the hardest, walking slowly to her father and finally sitting down beside him. Her voice wavered a little, she was obviously holding back tears as the rain came down. “Fa-father...?” Slowly, Lunard opened his blue eyes, he looked up weakly at Tia, and smiled. “You, you’ve made me p...proud...” He then fell back down, Tia caught him in her forelegs. I walked to him as Tia held the king. He looked at me, his eyes weak but he was still there. “Voidera, take, care of her. I always knew, that you would be the one...for her.” I fought tears myself at this, and simply said, “I am happy, to finally be able to call you father as well.” Lunard smiled and his eyes closed gently. Tia and I looked at each other, our horns glowing respectively. We touched Lunard’s horn and his breathing became even. Tia looked at me. “He’s had the miasma in him for far longer than Luna had it. It could take him months to even be able to walk again.” “The best we can do my love,” I soothed, putting a hoof on Tia’s shoulder, “Is make him as comfortable as we can. For all he’s done, he was a good stallion. We can hope he can be the same again.” Tia smiled, and looked up at the tower above us. “Hope, a very fitting name.” ___________________________________________________________________ Ladies and gentle stallions! Fillies and Colts prepared to be astounded, bedazzled, and otherwise, stupefied, I’m Vinyl Scratch! Here me and obey! Oh sorry, got a little power hungry there. Vinyl, just once I’d like this to be done professionally. Yeah yeah, I AM being professional. It’s part of the whole radio personality gig, Octy. Gotta keep them entertained. I do so question how the youth of Equestria find this entertaining. Whatever, let’s get to the smexy news already! Very well *ahem* following the attacks last Sunday both Canterlot and Ponyville have recovered from the damages suffered during the Changeling attack. Geez, I don’t think any insurance company has a ‘changeling attack’ policy. I think it comes under ‘Attacks upon Equestria by mystical forces’... That sort of started after the whole Nightmare Moon thing. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the ponies involved reconstruction went without too many hitches. Yeah if you all wanna donate to help the families recover from the attack just make a call, operators are standing by for as long as I can bribe them with cookies. Anyways, a memorial service was held Wednesday to commemorate those who fought in the battle. I have confirmed that there were no deaths, but many are still injured from the battle. In other news, turns out Twilight is getting that coronation after all! Today she’s getting a ceremony and everything. Despite many stuck ups in Canterlot, no offense Octy. None taken. Who tried to cancel the ceremony in lieu of the attacks. But the most awesomest Princess Celestia has said that she would hold the ceremony as a celebration of victory. How cool is that? Very admirable, despite the loss and clean up she’s still wanting to have us look to the future. The ceremony is to be held within the hour at Canterlot Castle. Okay, that about wraps up our news for today. Hmm, it seems we have a lot of air time left. Well the rest of the news is done, wanna make out? VINYL WE ARE ON AIR!!!! *Crash, swearing, yelling and other things not suitable for young viewers* “Until next time this is Vinyl Scratch, bringing you the truth,” *Sword unsheathes* “No matter how...bad it hurts me... Octy. C’mon, Octy. You don’t want to cut me to bits, do you? Who would give you those backrubs you like so much?” _____________________________________________________________ Perspective: Private Eye So here it is. The coronation. Twilight is going to become a princess. The square is it’s usual ornate self, with a few bits of damage here and there, everypony’s dressed in their best outfits... Wow, Twilight looks awesome in that dress, and the singing is pretty good, too. I’m standing with the others, as we watch the whole thing unfold. This time I’m with my beloved. She’ll have my support, every step of the way. I smiled wide as she stepped up and looked over at me. A silent message passed between our eyes. Twi, I’m here for you now. There’s nopony I’d rather have with me at this point in my life. I love you, I love you too I then watched as Spike came up, crown in his claws. Thankfully Celestia and Voidera had it triple checked for miasma or any other malicious spells and luckily this one is clean. Twilight lowered her head as Celestia took it in her magic. I saw nothing but pride in the eyes of the princess. Luna was beside me as well, smiling at Twilight, although...did a look of envy pass just now...? I refocused as Celestia declared, “By the powers vested in me, I now pronounce you...” She lowered the crown onto Twilight’s head. “Princess Twilight Sparkle!” Everypony cheered loudly including me and the girls. After a long bout of cheering for Twilight, Twilight held a hoof to silence them. When they did she was taken aback. “Wow, that’s kind of cool,” She said to herself. I stifled a laugh. She then cleared her throat and said, “I am deeply honored by this, I could not have gotten here without the most amazing friends in the world. I will do my very best to be the princess Equestria needs during this time.” She then, turned to me and gestured with her hoof for me to come. I walked over to her, feeling Silverwolf’s weight at my side as I walked to her. I lowered my head gently as she said, “As my first act as Princess of Equestria, I will perform something that should’ve been done long ago. Private Eye has been at my side for a year now, he has asked for nothing for his bravery and courage in the face of evil. Today, I give him the honor whether he likes it or not.” She and I smiled at each other. I looked to my side and saw Silver Wolf being pulled from it’s sheath. Voidera fixed her up and for some reason was rather insistent I bring it to the ceremony. I looked at Twilight as she took my blade in her magic. I caught on to what was going on, and kneeled before her. She smiled and put the sword to my shoulder. “By the powers vested in me, as Princess of Equestria, I now dub thee, Sir Preventus Phelps Eye. Knight of Equestria.” She tapped my other shoulder with my sword. The crowd slowly cheered again as I rose and took the sword from Twilight. I wanted to kiss her right then in there, but the formality of the ceremony stopped that. I just smiled and said, “I will guard Equestria with my life, I would do it for no other, Twilight.” She smiled in turn as Celestia came forward. The girls gathered around the princess as Celestia spoke, “You all have sacrificed so much in this, I thank you all for what you’ve done for this nation. May the Elements of Harmony never ever break.” We all smiled, Celestia then walked to Applejack. “Any damages to the Sweet Apple Acres farm have been paid in full Applejack.” AJ looked in shock. “Princess, thank ya, ah mean it.” Celestia smiled and then walked to Pinkie Pie. “Your love Swarm, for his admirable efforts in the fight to save Ponyville, is now on his way to becoming a full citizen of Equestria.” “Swarmy!” Pinkie cheered happily, I saw the Changeling the crowd, smiling happily as Pinkie waved excitedly to him. Celestia then walked to Rarity. “I do believe, that Twilight will need quite a few outfits as a princess. I can think of no other place then Carousel Boutique. When you are ready Rarity, I’d be more than happy to open a shop here in Canterlot.” Rarity’s jaw dropped. “A shop, here in a..ey aye aye!” She was about to faint before AJ caught her, we all laughed a little at Rarity’s reaction. The Princess then turned to Fluttershy. “I do believe you will find that the animals in my garden will be far kinder to you dear Fluttershy.” The pegasus gave a warm smile, “I only hope they will like me this time.” “You managed to convert Discord, I doubt you will have much trouble.” Celestia smiled. “Speaking of which,” Discord grinned, suddenly appearing out of nowhere. “There’s still the matter of me.” “Indeed,” Celestia said sternly. Discord sighed. “Well, I guess it’s back to being under guard I guess.” “Discord, I don’t think you understand,” Celestia smiled “As of now, I am fully releasing you.” Discord looked genuinely shocked. “Well, now that was quite unexpected, why the change?” “A certain friend of yours told me of how you sacrificed yourself to buy them time,” The sun princess said, “Because of that, I am willing to extend you an offer of freedom, provided you do not cause harm to ponies anywhere.” “Wait, so,” Discord pondered this. “I’m free!” He suddenly started zooming all over the place cheering happily “I’m free! I’m free at last! Celebration time!” He snapped his fingers... And suddenly we were a mariachi band, sombrero and all. Discord danced as we all glared at them. “Aww well, it was worth a shot.” He snapped his fingers and all was made right. He then summoned a suitcase. “I’m hitting the road! I’m off to see the wor-” He stopped, and looked over at Fluttershy. The pegasus flew up to him and said, “Take care, Discord, you do deserve a little happiness.” Discord, smiled genuinely. “Take care, Fluttershy, take care.” With that, he zoomed out a open window and into the sky outside. He laughed out loud and cheered to the world his newfound freedom. Celestia then walked to Rainbow Dash, the cyan pegasus smirked, “Go ahead, tell me how awesome I am.” “Actually, somepony else has that honor,” Celestia grinned. “Who?” “Me of course, rookie.” Rainbow slowly turned around to see Spitfire standing there, clad in her wonderbolt suit. Rainbow stifled a squeal and stood firmly. “Uh ma’am! Great to see you!” Spitfire chuckled. “Relax Dash, I’m off duty.” She smiled and walked up to Rainbow. “Heard about some of the stuff you did today, mighty impressive.” “Uh, thanks ma’am,” she said, standing stiff but probably screaming inside. “I expect to see you bright and early tomorrow at the academy, gonna have you seeing you put all that power to work.” Rainbow smiled wide as Spitfire returned to the crowd. She turned back to Celestia and said, “Okay, no reward necessary, I’m good.” “I thought that would be something you would desire,” Celestia said with a light musical laugh. She then walked to me. “Private, you’ve probably suffered the greatest because of Lunard targeting you. If there is any reward at all, anything you desire, I will make it so.” I looked down, pondered what exactly I wanted. I knew what I needed, more then anything. “Tailspin,” I said, looking up at Celestia. “He’s, in a wheelchair, the reward I want is that he receives the best care possible.” “Done,” Celestia smiled, but then she frowned. “But, that is not a reward for yourself. Is there anything I can specifically give you?” I pondered again, and then slowly smirked, “The only thing I could want Celestia...” I paused for a moment and met her eyes. “You can’t possibly give me.” Celestia looked taken aback, then saw the look in my eyes and smiled, “And what, pray tell, is this thing that I cannot possibly give you?” “An answer to a question,” I said, closing my eyes. “A question that I have been hoping to hear answered for a long time. You can’t answer it Celestia.” I slowly turned to look at Twilight. “Only Twilight can.” Twilight, naturally, looked confused, but the other girls seemed to catch on. They all grinned at each other, then as a unit shoved Twilight over to me. Fluttershy looked glassy eyed at us, Rarity had pulled out a hoofkerchief from somewhere, and was holding it up to her muzzle. Applejack stood there beaming, while Rainbow Dash had this stoic look in her face that showed her determination not to get sappy. Pinkie finally couldn’t take it any more and shoved Twilight towards me. “Go on!” Twilight almost tripped but regained her footing as she looked at me. Her eyes showed confusion, typical Twilight. I then let out a breath, and said the words I’ve wanted to say for a long time. "Twilight, this year has been the best in my life. Mainly because it's because I've gotten to know you. I love everything about you, your beauty, your intelligence, your kind heart, your talent with magic. You, outshine me in every possible way. But, the fact you would want to be with a stallion like me, has made me feel truly blessed to have met you. I love you more than anything this world can offer. And...I just have one question to ask you...." Twilight’s eyes grew wide, as she suddenly realized just what I was asking. She sat on her haunches, covering her muzzle with her forehooves, tears welling in her eyes. I slowly reached into my suit jacket, and pulled out the small black box that I kept close to my heart for weeks now. I got down on one knee. “Twilight Annemarie Sparkle,” I used my magic to levitate the box and open it up, revealing Spike’s ring. “Will you marry me?” Twilight blinked rapidly, beaming at me. She tried to say something, but it seemed that she couldn’t get anything past a lump on her throat. Finally she just glomped me, hugging me tight, nodding. “Yes,” she whispered. She then got a bit louder. “Yes.” Then finally, she cried, “Yes! Yes! Yes! I will!” I grinned wide and hugged her tightly as the crowd cheered a third time, roaring and whooping at the answer. I held Twilight tightly and kissed her in front of the crowd. I heard AJ sniffling, “Private and Twi, *sniff* gettin hitched at last.” “It’s just so...” Rarity broke down fully into tears, her hoofkerchief discarded, and she clinging to Fluttershy, who just held her, patting her back, a smile, and tears of her own falling. “Must, not...get sappy,” Rainbow panted, as a single tear fell from her eye. Pinkie was crying already, before suddenly getting out of it and saying, “I am going to throw you guys the best engagement party EVER!” She then went back to unleashing a waterspout of tears. “YES YES FINALLY!!!” I heard a voice yell from the crowd, Twilight and I looked and saw Cadence had shot up and was practically dancing in the air, Shining was trying his best to contain his wife’s excitement. Twilight and I looked back at each other, we nuzzled each other before getting back on our hooves. I saw Celestia approaching us, I could see the hints of tears on her eyes. She wiped them away. “Forgive me, I am simply happy for both of you. I, would like a favor from both of you.” “What is that Pri-” Twilight stopped, realizing her rank. “I mean, Celestia.” The sun princess smiled. “Allow me to oversee plans for the wedding, I also wish to be the one to wed both of you.” Twilight and I looked at each other, I then looked at Celestia. “If it’s, not too much to ask, I think Twilight and I agree our wedding should be at Ponyville.” “Ponyville?” Celestia asked, raising an eyebrow. Twilight took my hoof. “It’s our home, it just feels fitting we should be married there. Also think of how it would help the town.” Celestia nodded. “Done, the preparations will begin immediately.” “Twilight!” Rarity cried, temporarily looking away from her tear sponge that was Fluttershy. “If you do not let me design your wedding dress I will lock you in a closet and you’ll never marry Private!” Twilight smiled, “I wouldn’t want anypony else.” “Very well.” Rarity then went back to crying into Fluttershy. Twilight and I simply laughed. ______________________________________________________________ Two days later... It had been a good day. Twilight and I had taken a picnic dinner out to our favorite field, and had a nice quiet meal, talking about just little things, before Luna brought out the stars, and we sat there, stargazing, and generally enjoying one another’s company. It was nice not to have a world-saving sort of adventure to worry about. Or even something as ordinary as a case of... well... anything. Used to be, I hated the lulls between cases, but now... Now I could appreciate them. Twilight and laid on our backs in the grass. The stars were above us as we talked. Twilight pointed up, “Okay, that one is Draco, and there’s Norma over there” “One of these days I’ll get all of them right,” I said as we both laughed. Twilight then stopped laughing, and rolled on her side to look at me. “Lots of things are going to change huh?” “Yeah,” I said, rolling to face her. “Private,” she said, looking at me. “Can I ask you something?” “You can ask me anything Twilight,” I smiled. “My wings,” She said, lifting one up. “Do you um,” she blushed as she thought of the way to put it. “Like them?” I looked at the lavender colored wing as it set against the background of the night sky. I scooted over, and reached a hoof to touch it. Twilight stifled a giggle as I ran my hoof along the very soft feathers. “Twi, if anything I think they make you look more beautiful.” “Thanks,” she said, kissing my nose. “I’m glad, I was worried you’d think I was, too exotic or something. I’m still not used to all the stares I get back home.” “Twi, if there is one thing I learned throughout this crazy adventure,” I started, putting a hoof on her chest, “Is that, I can’t pick how I want the pony I love to be. You’re going to change, you’re going to grow and so am I. But, that’s what real love is all about. Compromise and figuring out how to make it all work.” She then laid her wing on me, pushing me to her with it. She put her head on my chest and nuzzled into it. I embraced her as she snuggled in. “Private, I turned away from immortality so I could live a life with you.” She looked up into my eyes. “Let’s make it the best life we can make it.” “That’s the best life, isn’t it?” I smiled. “Life is greatest when it’s shared with ponies you love,” Twilight quoted. “Where’d you hear that?” I asked, looking at her. “Some cute stallion,” she said, smiling at me. “He thinks he’s really smart so he says stuff like that all the time and never bothers to write it down.” “For notes are the key to any master scholar,” I quoted in turn, “That I heard from some really pretty unicorn turned princess.” We both laughed, Twilight then looked into my silver eyes and said, “Preventus, I love you.” I held her to me, and said, “I love you too, Twilight. Never forget that ever.” I wondered if it was all a dream. I’d wake up and find myself back at my crappy apartment in Manehatten and go back to my dead end job as a private detective. Staring out into the rain wondering when the hell I’d be able to pay my bills. But, as I held Twilight that notion was thrown out the window. For I could never possibly imagine this adventure with her. Nor could I ever imagine that I would fall for such a mare, and end up engaged to her. Twi, thank you, thank you for changing my life in ways I could never possibly put to words...Maybe...I’ll get Tailspin to write a story about this...
Chapter 1 "Escape from Canterlot"Equestria Noir Case 25 “Endgame” By Jacoboby1 and ShatteredIllusions Chapter 1 “Escape from Canterlot” I looked defiantly back into Lunard’s cold blue eyes as he glared at me. I felt like my entire soul was being searched by those eyes. I saw nothing but cold scorn and hatred from him. Why did he despise me so? Had one of my ancestors wronged him in some way? It didn’t matter now as I stood with my other elements before him. He just declared he wanted to kill me. My life had been threatened before, but never had an Alicorn wanted to personally kill me. He took a step towards me but Celestia stepped in front of him. “You will keep your hooves away from my subject!” “Oh, have you taken a pet, Celestia?” Lunard said, his tone resembling that of a father chastising a child. “You know we cannot take in strays.” “You will not harm any of my subjects,” Celestia said. She then grabbed her dress in her magic and ripped it off. Before my very eyes golden armor began to form on Celestia. It replaced her coronation dress and covered almost her entire body, leaving only her head exposed. She glared at her father “Your fight is with me, Father, let's keep it that way.” “Stand aside, Celestia,” Lunard commanded, brandishing his blade. “I do not wish to harm you. My quarrel is with the tainted one.” “You will not touch him,” she declared. “Maybe not, but the ground might…” he replied coldly. Suddenly I was wrapped in an aura of blue magic. I struggled as I was lifted into the air like paper. I was thrown against the window, the crowd gasped as I braced myself. I crashed through the window, and fell quickly down to earth… I watched the guard’s sword from before fall down ahead of me. This guy really wanted to kill me. I looked around, and saw a banner sticking out of the castle walls. I grabbed it in my teeth and hung there. I heard a large commotion from above but focused mainly on hanging onto the banner. Was this it? Was I going to die here? Just what did he want with me! I heard a rip, and saw with wide eyed horror that a tear had formed in the banner. My weight was causing the fabric to break. I tried to grab hold with my hooves somehow but eventually it gave way. I plummeted towards the ground screaming as I fell. “PRIVATE!!!!!” I heard a voice call from above. I looked up and Twilight was diving towards me, her new wings spread to their full length. I, never realized how great she looked with wings until now. But wait, did Twilight know how to fly? “Twi,” I yelled, “close your wings and then spread them when you grab hold of me! Keep yourself as small as possible!” “Since when did you know how to fly?” Twilight asked, following my instructions. “My mom taught flight school!” I said, looking back at the ground. “Less talking, more saving Private!” She made herself more aerodynamic and dived faster towards me. She held out her hooves and grabbed me around the chest just as I was about to hit the ground. She then spread her wings and caught the updraft, sending us flying upward. I held onto Twilight for dear life as we flew. She looked at me and said, “I’m not going to lose you again, Private”. She the flapped her wings as we flew back up to where I was thrown out. Suddenly Twilight’s wings began flapping faster. She suddenly looked very tired. “Didn’t think that flying, would be, so hard…” she panted. Just as Twilight’s wings were about to give way she was caught by Rainbow. I was soon grabbed by Luna from behind. Rainbow looked at Twilight and said, “Alright, after this, flight training.” “Agreed,” Twilight said with a tired nod. “Where’s Lunard?” “My sister and Voidera are challenging him at the moment,” Luna explained, holding me. “We do not have much time. We need to get to the Elements right now. If father gets his hooves on them all hope is lost.” “He can use the Elements of Harmony?” I asked, fear in my voice. “Pray that we do not find out,” Luna replied, she spread her wings and flew up back to where I fell out. Twilight and I hopped off our respective fliers and saw the commotion going on in the room. Most of the crowd had left, and if they hadn’t already they were trying to run out as quick as they could. Celestia was wielding an ivory and gold lined spear that was clashing with Lunard’s blade. Once again I marveled at the skill that Celestia held as she twirled and stabbed the spear at the former king. Lunard, however, was holding his own, swinging that giant sword like it was made of foam. Celestia blocked an attack and looked at us. “Luna! Take the Elements and get out of here!” she cried frantically. “But Sister,” Luna cried. “That’s an order, Luna!” Voidera called, coming at Lunard from behind with his black and red lined sword. Lunard expertly blocked Voidera’s blade with his armored hoof and swung it around, almost hitting Celestia before she ducked. Luna looked at us and commanded, “Come on!” I was about to follow, but I looked back at the portal that Lunard came through. Before my very eyes changelings started pouring out from it. Only, they weren’t the same as the last time I'd seen a swarm. As opposed to green being a prominent color on them, these Changelings had blue linings on their black chitin and their eyes seemed to glow with an unearthly malice. Rainbow groaned. “Not those things again!” A changeling landed in front of me and I gave him a swift buck to the face. “Come on let’s get out of here!” I cried. We ran out of the room, the crowd having left already. Luna led us through the halls as the guards engaged the changelings outside. I heard the sounds of gunfire, magic, and clashing blades as we ran through the halls. We galloped inside the hall of stained glass that I'd only been to a few times before. I looked up at the stained glass windows depicting every major accomplishment we elements had done so far. Several of the windows were broken, however, as a result of the small swarm of Changelings in front of us. They bared their fangs at my friends and I. Crouching down into a battle stance, I prepared to fight them off. One leapt at us, but landed face first against a barrier that suddenly appeared around us. I turned around and saw Shining Armor, still clad in his red formal uniform, galloping up to us. Cadence was by his side. “I’m glad you’re all okay!” the Princess of Love cried. “No time for pleasantries, dear niece,” Luna replied, looking at Cadence. “You must get reinforcements from the Crystal Empire, now!” “Why can’t she and her husband just use that mega love spell again?” AJ asked, as the Changelings started pounding on Shining’s barrier. “We tried,” Cadence answered sadly, “but, they don’t seem to be feeding on love, watch!” Her horn glowed a pale blue and a tiny heart came from it. The heart passed through the barrier and went towards a changeling. It eyed the heart for a minute, nibbled on it with it’s teeth then... spat it out. “When we tried using the magic from before it didn’t work,” Shining explained. “I think Lunard’s changed them somehow. .” “We will handle them,” Luna said, looking at the couple. “You two must return to the Crystal Empire and bring back reinforcements. I will use a spell to send you both there.” “What about you, Aunt Luna?” Cadence asked. Luna gave her niece a look and said, “I will follow my sister’s wishes.” She then brought Cadence and Shining Armor’s horns to touch her own. Twilight looked at her brother for a minute and said, “Stay safe BBBFF.” “You too, LSBFF,” Shining replied smiling at her fondly. Soon the couple vanished, and with it Shining’s barrier that had held back the small group of changelings. I turned and fired Blackbird into the shoulder of one before it got too close. “Luna, get the door!” I yelled. Luna nodded and flew over the swarm as they charged at us. All seven of us elements clashed with the changelings. I saw Applejack putting her bucking skills to good use. She turned around and bucked a pair of Changelings out a nearby window. Rainbow slammed her hoof into a Changeling as another tried to ambush her from behind. The changeling soon saw the error of his ways, in the form of a swift kick to the face, provided by Rarity. Twilight and I stood back to back as we were surrounded by the black creatures. She looked at them and observed, “They aren’t transforming like before, something’s wrong with them.” “Less study, more bashing!” I said, shooting a Changeling in the wing before it could get to Twilight. Twilight looked at a pair of changelings charging at her. She concentrated her magic and the pair were captured in her telekinesis. She smiled and exclaimed, “Wow, it’s never been this easy before!” She then threw the changelings into a trio that were about to get at Fluttershy. Fluttershy was about to be hit by another Changeling, before the ever terrifying power of the Stare was unleashed on him. The Changeling blinked after a bit, and found he was staring into the barrel of Pinkie’s party cannon. The Pink party pony smirked and said, “Bye bye.” She then fired the cannon and sent the bug flying. Luna managed to get to the door and unlock it with her horn. The door opened to reveal all six elements of Harmony. I noticed mine wasn’t among them. Then again, it had a habit of appearing on it’s own. Aj and Rainbow knocked together the heads of the remaining two Changelings. “Jus' when ya think we’re done with bugs,” Aj said, shaking her head. Twilight walked to an unconscious Changeling and ran her horn over it. “How odd,” she muttered. “What’s up, Twilight?” Rainbow asked as Luna put the Elements in a chest. “This doesn’t make sense, they were altered somehow,” Twilight replied, looked at us. “Something has changed them. They can’t transform, and they don’t feed on love. Who would change them like this, and why?” “Maybe they remembered the last time they invaded Canterlot,” I suggested. “Even if that's true, being able to transform would still be affective,” Rarity pointed out. “Let us not dwell on this too long, my subjects,” Luna said, hoofing Twilight the chest containing the Elements. “Take these and leave this place.” “Now hold on there, Princess,” AJ interjected. “We can’t just abandon Canterlot.” “My sister and Voidera have fought father before,” Luna said firmly. “They will be able to stop him, but we cannot risk him getting his hooves on the Elements.” “I’m still wondering how he got the Changelings on his side,” Twilight said, putting a hoof to her chin. “A small price to pay for revenge,” an evil voice answered from behind me. We all turned to see Chrysalis standing there. She had the same blue markings as her Changelings, and was adorned in the same blue armor that I'd seen one or two of her swarm wearing. She grinned evilly at us and said, “Long time no see, ponies.” Rainbow smacked her hooves together menacingly. “Just what did you do to your changelings?” she demanded to know. “I did nothing. It was all my Master's doing,” she replied, laughing. “He has granted my people untold power. We are no longer weakened by the emotion of Love. We now feed on a far more delectable emotion, fear…” “That’s why Cadence’s spell didn't work,” Twilight interjected. “Quite perceptive, lapdog. Now, there is more than enough fear to overpower your pathetic race. Once Lunard has defeated your Princess he will allow us Changelings to rule here. Now that he has granted us this power, we no longer need to transform. Our true forms are more than enough to inspire fear,” Chrysalis bragged. “You’re sick!” I yelled. “We’ll never let you rule! I know exactly what your little alternation will result in! Nothing more than a stagnant race that refuses to let love in!” “You are speaking to your future queen, pony,” she said with a smirk. “You should show some respect.” “I’d never bow down to you!” I yelled. “Now you got seven elements of Harmony to deal with!” My friends gathered around me, all except for Luna. “Do you not wish to join, Princess of Wasted Space?” Chrysalis mocked. I was going to squash this bug! “Private, get to Ponyville with the others,” Luna commanded. She walked in front of us, and I felt her slip something into my trench coat pocket. I looked up at her as she strode forward. Her horn glowed and a blue lined scythe appeared out of nowhere. She held it along her back and said, “I will stall her, and we will meet up later.” “Luna, n-“ Before I could finish my sentence, Luna’s horn glowed and everything turned to black. ___________________________________________________________ Perspective: Voidera I clashed blades with Lunard, my magic wavering only for a millisecond as we did. It was becoming harder and harder to maintain control. My blade, Elucidator, was no match for Lunard’s Moonsunder. I knew it was only a matter of time before it broke and I had to rely on… other methods. He gave me a long look and said “You’ve grown, Voidera. I remember when you could barely lift anything with your magic. Now look at you, once again betraying the stallion that took you in and raised you.” “Shut up!” I said, raising my blade to swing at him. He dodged and swung his blade, hitting me across my dragon wing, I roared in pain and opened my mouth wide, firing a jet of flame at him. This caused him to leap back. Tia came to my side, her armor was dented in some areas and her wing looked injured, but she was still holding her spear decently. She looked at Lunard and said, “Stop this, father! Voidera and I have no wish to fight you!” “As naïve as you were fifteen hundred years ago, my precious sunshine,” Lunard said, using Tia’s filly hood name. I would’ve laughed at the use on any other day. But right now, I know he was just mocking the mare I loved. “I watched your kingdom, it is a joke compared to the Alicorn age. Fifteen hundred years and your people have yet even to discover alchemy.” “For good reason!” I growled “You know the dangers that can come from introducing that power to the wrong ponies.” “So, you exchange it for dark magic?” Lunard said, looking at Tia. She just maintained her glare. “Don’t think me a fool, my daughter,” Lunard said. “I know exactly what is inside Private’s element. It is tainted with the power of darkness, inherent in his line. You should’ve taken my advice and drowned the whole lot of them when you had the chance.” “I refused to murder innocent children because you failed to listen to Faust!” Celestia said, brandishing her spear. “It was her fault our race died!” Lunard cried, madness in his eyes. “The Faust you speak of was a liar, nothing more than a cheap prophet who sought to weaken our proud race. Now, you let the mongrels run free on this world. I cannot allow that any longer, my daughter.” I braced myself as he charged towards us… __________________________________________________________ Perspective: Luna I swung my scythe down on Chrysalis, ready to slice this foul beast in half. Her horn glowed a sickly blue and she summoned a cruel looking black dagger and blocked my blade. I glared at her and cried, “You dare strike twice in my home!” “Your home?” Chrysalis grinned “Here I thought Celestia was going to someday charge you rent.” “I will not let you touch Private or the others!” I yelled, bringing the scythe up again and knocking her with the butt end of it. Her guards tried to interfere but one blast of my magic sent them flying. I grunted at the effort. I already used so much sending the others to safety. I glared at Chrysalis as she held the dagger in her magic. “Oh, so that’s what this is all about? You’ve grown soft for the detective,” she sneered. “Be silent!” I said, swinging the scythe, this time I managed to cut the foul being across the cheek. Green blood flowed from her cheek and she screeched in pain. She grinned at me and asked, “You never told your sister what you were doing during the invasion were you? I’m surprised nopony made the connection.” “What do you want from me?” I yelled at her. “To admit, that the reason you left your sister was because the wedding day was Nocturne’s birthday by pure coincidence,” she said, a grin on her face. Nocturne, my love from a thousand years ago, who Private resembles. “That’s why you weren’t there. Because you spent the whole day hiding in that tower wondering if your precious love chose immorality. You couldn’t stand to be at that wedding because of the one you never had.” “Silence!” “Dear Luna, it seems to be fate that so many would leave you,” she said with a cruel smile. “I’ll make sure to give your dear Private’s corpse, special treatment once Lunard is through with him.” “You will not touch him!” I said, my eyes glowing with fury. “So, you do care for him. You can’t be with your precious Nocturne anymore, so you settle for the next best thing.” That’s it! I leapt at her, my scythe striking at her dagger, slicing it in half. Her eyes went wide. I then poured my magic into my scythe, causing it to glow with a blue light and swung it at her. The sword beam hit a bunch of Changelings that threw themselves in the path of their queen. She laughed. “You are skilled Luna, I will admit that much. But you are hindered by love, just as I was. You know you can’t win, my armies will continue to protect me no matter how many times to try to slay me.” I huffed, running a hoof through my mane as I felt for the first time in a long while, strands starting to form in my mane. I’ve used too much power, in my weakened state I could revert at any point. Damn Nightmare, why did you have to use so much? I only had to buy Private enough time to get the others out of here. So long as Chrysalis was focused on me, she wouldn’t hurt Private. My friend, be safe, while I try my best to stop her… Nocturne, would’ve wanted that. ___________________________________________________________ Perspective: Private Eye I let out a breath as the teleportation spell caused us to appear in a dark room. I shook my head to get the dizziness out of my head. Luna teleported us away? But where are we? I looked over and saw the others coming too. Rainbow shook her head. “I hate Teleporting, it feels like my head just got beaten over with a baseball bat.” “Where are we, Sugercube?” Aj asked. “Ah can’t rightly see anything.” “Hold on, guys,” Twilight’s voice said, I saw her horn glow and suddenly a sphere of light came into being. Twilight threw it into the air and the entire area was illuminated. Before our eyes, was an Airship… It wasn’t a large vessel, but it looked big enough to carry all of us. It’s hull was made of wood and lined with violet markings. It’s balloon was colored violet as well, hanging above it. I noticed a set of cannons were mounted on the port and starboard side. Pinkie smiled wide and cheered, “Aww, sweet! An Airship!” “I remember this vessel,” Rarity said. “I hit a bottle of champagne against it on its maiden voyage. It’s the S.S. Highwind, designed as the premiere in Airship technology.” She then looked at the cannons “So, I guess the rumors were true she got drafted as a military vessel.” “Aww, yeah!” Rainbow said smiling. “We could use this to give us an edge!” “One problem,” I pointed out. “Does anypony here know how to fly an Airship?” A silence answered my question. Twilight spoke up, “Um, I read a lot about Airship piloting during my studies on the Cloud Kingdoms.” “I guess it’s what we’ll have to go on,” AJ said with a sigh. “Alright, everypony aboard” Twilight said. We climbed the stairs up to the bridge. Pinkie immediately dove down below deck and cried, “Look at all these party cannons!” “Pinkie, those aren’t party canons!” Fluttershy said, chasing after her. I’m thinking she wants to stay down there during the flight. It’s probably best. “Alright,” Twilight said, removing her ruined dress and tossing it aside. “Rainbow you get up on top. Aj, you go downstairs and help Pinkie with the engines. Rarity, you stay by the balloon and make sure no leaks come up. Private and I will take the helm.” I walked up to the steering wheel of the ship. For some reason it felt, right, to be at the helm. I wonder, who among my ancestors was an airship pilot? Everypony went to their positions. Twilight stood beside me to act as navigator. She looked at me and said, “Private, about earlier...” “It’s okay, Twilight,” I said dismissively. “Save it for when we get out of here.” “If we don’t make it out of this…” She planted a kiss on my cheek. I smiled dumbly and heard small laughs from the rest of the crew. Rarity smiled. “Darlings, even when we face certain peril you are sweet to each other.” Twilight and I blushed. I knew I had less of a chance to marry her after the stunt I pulled. But, right now I had to focus on the battle at hoof. I wasn’t going to let Lunard get away with this. Nopony ruins my marefriend’s coronation on my watch. “Any words you wanna say, captain?” Twilight asked. I smiled and said, “Well, there are a set of words, known to inspire great power in many ponies” Twilight’s magic hit the switch and the doors before me began to open. “Words, that can inspire any crew to accomplish anything” “And what words are they?” I grinned as the sky was open before us. “ALLONS-Y!!!” With that, the ships thrusters were activated and we launched into the battle outside.
