Chapters "We met Kokopelli that day. He asked us to play a game. Even though he seemed harmless, he possessed a dark secret that would change Equestria forever." - Twilight Sparkle
A unicorn appeared in the doorway. He had a dark blue coat and long, white mane. Glasses covered his black eyes and his cutie mark consisted of two black zigzags.
"So I see you've found me," he said. "Did you see me come out of the cave?"
"Everyone in the Crystal Empire knows about this cave," Flash Sentry explained. "I just didn't know it went this deep."
"Anyways, now that I have some guests, I'd like to ask you all something," the dark blue pony continued. "Do you want to play a game?"
"Game?" Everypony else repeated.
"Yeah," the dark blue pony replied. "I've been working on it for a while."
"What kind of game is it?" Shining Armor asked.
"Fifteen beings will attack Equestria, and a giant robot will fend them off," the dark blue pony explained, "You all will be piloting this robot."
"What's a robot?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"I believe it's a giant mass of armor controlled by this weird magic called electricity," Twilight Sparkle explained, "Or so I've read."
"Exactly," the dark blue pony said. "I'll be needing some test players for my game, and I hope you all will accept my offer."
"So does everyone want to play?" Twilight asked the group.
"Totally!" Rainbow Dash cheered. "I can't wait to kick some invader butt!"
The dark blue pony used his magic to move a circular podium towards the group.
"For anyone interested, please place your hoof on this," he said. "It will seal your fate as the chosen heroes."
Some of the other ponies chuckled at this, which made him blush.
"Laugh all you want, but it's important I take this game seriously," the dark blue pony said. "Anyways, as you sign the contract, please tell me your names."
"Are you kidding me?" Rainbow Dash stepped forward. "You're talking to two princesses and their most loyal subjects! What do you mean you don't know who we are?"
"I'm not... from around here," the dark blue unicorn explained.
"Alright, so could you please tell us your name?" Flash Sentry asked.
"Well... it's..." The dark blue pony took a long pause. "Kokopelli. That's right, Kokopelli."
"Koko... Kokoper..." Sweetie Belle struggled to pronounce the stranger's name.
"It's a long name, I know," Kokopelli said. "Back to business, who wants to play?"
Twilight Sparkle placed her hoof on the podium. "My name's Princess Twilight Sparkle."
Spike popped up behind her and placed his hand on the podium. "And I'm Spike."
Everyone else took turns placing their hooves on the podium.
"Fluttershy."
"Pinkie Pie!"
"Derpy Hooves!"
"Rarity."
"Rainbow Dash!"
"Applejack. Pleased to meet ya."
"Big Macintosh."
"Princess Cadance."
"Shining Armor."
"Flash... Sentry." Flash Sentry hesitated to put his hoof on the podium.
"What's wrong?" Twilight asked.
"I have a bad feeling about this." Flash Sentry replied.
"Don't worry, games are always fun!" Pinkie Pie forced his hoof on the podium.
"Wha... what the...?" Flash Sentry gazed at his hoof in shock.
"Anyone else left?" Pinkie Pie asked.
"Just us three!" Apple Bloom said.
"I'm Scootaloo!"
"And I'm Apple Bloom!"
Sweetie Belle moved to place her hoof on the podium, but was stopped by Rarity.
"I... think it's best that you sit this game out." Rarity said.
"Come on Rarity!" Rainbow Dash said. "Let her play with us!"
"It's alright," Sweetie Belle spoke up. "I caused a lot of trouble for Rarity today."
"So, just fourteen will play? That's alright," Kokopelli said. "Enemies will appear one after the other. I'll defeat the first one for you. After that, you're on your own."
Everyone heard a loud rumble outside the cave. The ground shook and everyone momentarily lost balance.
"What in the hay was that?" Applejack exclaimed. "Did everyone else feel that?"
"Eeyup." Big Macintosh said.
"An earthquake in the Crystal Empire?" Cadance said. "We don't even lie on a fault line!"
"That's no earthquake," Kokopelli said. "That's your first enemy."
A millisecond later, everyone disappeared from the cave. They all reappeared in an orange void.
"Where are we?" Fluttershy asked nervously.
"The cockpit," Kokopelli said.
The orange void disappeared to reveal that the fifteen ponies and dragon were high above the Crystal Empire. The space had no floor or ceiling, and the outside world surrounded them from all directions.
"We're still in the cockpit," Kokopelli explained. "We just need to see our opponent."
The opposing robot was gray and looked like a six legged spider. It had a red panel on its head with thirteen lights lit up. It opened its mouth and shot a lightning bolt towards them. Everyone except Kokopelli screamed and ducked for cover.
"We're protected inside here." Kokopelli said, "Now watch how I fight."
"Are you sure this is just a game?" Shining Armor asked. "Is this just some virtual realm?"
"This is one hundred percent real," Kokopelli replied. "Anyways, this robot is controlled using mind control."
"How is that possible?" Spike asked.
"It just is," Kokopelli said. "It looks like our opponent won't hold back. I'll have to give it my all." He brushed his legs on the surface on the cockpit.
"TAKE OFF!" Kokopelli yelled. His robot charged to its opponent, ready to attack.
"I can't choose whether I die or not, I'm merely a pawn in this game." - Kokopelli
Kokopelli charged toward his spider-like opponent, and the spider stood up on its two hind legs. However, Kokopelli used his robot's two front legs to move the spider's remaining legs out of the way, and tipped it over. He then used his robot's knees to hold the spider down.
"You seem pretty good at this," Scootaloo said. "You must have battled lots of times."
"Actually, this is my first time," Kokopelli said.
"You're kidding, right?" Twilight asked.
"It's the truth," Kokopelli replied. "Every robot has a weak point, and in order to win the battle, we have to destroy it."
"Well, how do we get to it?" Apple Bloom asked.
"First, we have to tear off various layers of armor," Kokopelli said, tearing off sheets of metal from the spider's body. The spider's legs tried to block him a few times, but Kokopelli moved them out of the way.
"The vital point is hidden behind the armor," Kokopelli continued. "The location varies between enemies and it's not always in the same place twice."
Kokopelli tore apart one last piece of armor to reveal a tan ball that resembled a rose. "There it is," he said.
"Now we should crush it!" Spike said.
"That's right, we crush it," Kokopelli said. A claw extended out of one of the robot's hooves and picked up the tan ball, revealing that the vital point had a wire that connected it with the robot. The claw crushed the vital point, making smoke come out of the cracks. The thirteen lights from the red panel also disappeared. To show that the battle was over, the cockpit turned back into an orange void.
"That's what a battle is like. Now you all have to protect Equestria," Kokopelli said. "I'm sor-"
The fifteen friends woke up back in the park.
"That was crazy..." Rainbow Dash said, getting up. "It's night out already?"
Twilight Sparkle also got up. "Man, I had the most insane dream today!"
"Mine's probably worse, but I'll let you explain first," Spike said.
"We all went into a cave and met this guy who told us that we had to pilot a giant robot to save Equestria and..."
"That was my dream!" Spike said.
"I had that dream too!" Derpy said. "It was pretty wacky!"
"But there's no way we could all have the same dream, right?" Shining Armor asked. He looked over at Rarity, who was shaking and pointing.
Everyone looked and saw a purple, metal earth pony with pointed legs mounted over a giant, gray spider.
"Well I'll be..." Applejack said. "We weren't dreamin'."
"I guess that purple pony is our robot," Flash Sentry said.
"This is just a game, right?" Cadance asked. "It can't be anything more than that."
"I think Kokopelli was trying to say something at the very end," Fluttershy said, making everyone look at her. "I think he was trying to say, 'I'm sorry.'"
"Great job guys! Hell of a battle!" A voice said to them.
Everyone turned to see where it came from. In front of them was a tiny floating creature whose body was shaped like a pear. He had two Mickey Mouse style ears on the top of his body and a tail on the bottom that looked like a really long goatee. His face consisted of two dot eyes and a smile that resembled a shark's grin. His entire body was white, except for his cheeks, which were red.
"Hello there," the creature said. "I'll be watching over you for the remainder of your battles."
"What is that thing?" Rarity asked.
"How is it floating?" Applejack asked.
"I bet it's one of Kokopelli's minions!" Spike explained.
"I'm no one's minion!" The creature shouted, getting in Spike's face.
"Alright then..." Spike said, backing down.
"Now then, does anyone have questions?" The creature asked.
"Where did that robot come from?" Spike asked.
"Did it come from another world?" Pinkie Pie asked.
"How does the robot work?" Shining Armor asked.
"Is there a reward for doing this?" Apple Bloom asked.
"Will our enemies always be that gross?" Rarity asked.
"How are you floating like that?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Do you know the muffin man?" Derpy Hooves asked.
"SHUT UP!" The creature screamed, silencing everyone. "You're all so inconsiderate. Shouldn't you ask for my name first?"
"Alright then, what's your name?" Twilight Sparkle asked.
"I'm Dung Beetle," The creature replied.
"Dung Beetle?" Rarity exclaimed. Some of the female ponies held their muzzles in disgust.
"Excuse me..." Fluttershy said. "Is there any way we can withdraw from these battles?"
"'Fraid not," Dung Beetle said. "Once you've signed the contract, there is no turning back."
"Did someone call my name?" Shining Armor asked.
"Your cutie mark!" Cadance cried, pointing to Shining Armor's flank. "It's different!"
Shining Armor's cutie mark was now two black zigzags, just like Kokopelli's.
"If you hear your name and your cutie mark changes to two black zigzags, you're the next pilot." Dung Beetle explained.
"So I guess that means I'm up?" Shining Armor said.
"Yep," Dung Beetle said. "Congratulations!"
"All right!" Shining Armor cheered.
The two robots slowly disappeared from the giant park everyone was in.
"If there's no more questions, I think I'll be off," Dung Beetle said. "See you all at the next battle." He also disappeared from sight.
"Let's head back," Cadance said. "I'm sure Aunt Celestia is worried sick by now."
Everyone headed back, but not before Sweetie Belle took one last look back at the park.
Once everyone made it back by the castle, they were greeted by Princess Celestia.
"You're all back pretty late," Celestia said. "How was your day?"
"We don't want to talk about it," Cadance said.
"There was a battle between two giant beasts going on not too far from here," Celestia said. "Are you sure you're alright?"
"We're fine." Cadance said.
Everyone walked back to their bedrooms, with Twilight Sparkle and Spike getting the one closest to the throne room.
"Man, I still have chills!" Spike said to his companion. "It's awesome that we get to save Equestria though!"
"We have quite the adventure waiting for us." Twilight Sparkle said.
"Being Captain of the Royal Guard, I am always in the spotlight. However, I would like know what it's like to be the hero behind the scenes for a change." - Shining Armor
The next night, Princess Cadance relaxed on the balcony. She looked up at the stars, and every one shone so brightly she couldn't help but think they were giving her their blessing. Shining Armor walked up and put his foreleg around her neck.
"Can't sleep?" Shining Armor asked.
"Not really," Cadance said. "I'm still a bit shook up from yesterday."
"I think we all are," Shining Armor replied.
"Are you ready to face your opponent?" Cadance asked.
"I'm beyond ready!" Shining Armor said. "I'm fighting to protect the world... and our foal."
"About that, I think I'll make the announcement next week," Cadance said. "It just seems like the right time."
"I think you're right," Shining Armor said. He put his head next to Cadance's stomach. "You hear that, little one? The whole world will know about you next week."
"I think you'll make a great father," Cadance said, smiling.
Shining Armor focused his attention toward the sky. "About my battle, I've been thinking about something."
"What is it dear?" Cadance asked.
"Being Captain of the Royal Guard, I'm always in the spotlight," Shining Armor said. "However, I want to know what it's like to be the hero behind the scenes for once."
All of a sudden, Shining Armor took a deep breath, and screamed into the air. The echo reverberated around the Crystal Empire. "Do you wanna try?" He asked his wife.
"No thanks," Cadance said, momentarily stunned.
"I'M GONNA DO THIS!" Shining Armor screamed again.
"I heard shouting," Twilight Sparkle said, coming out to the balcony. "What's going on?"
"Oh nothing," Cadance chuckled. "Shining's just getting pumped for his big fight."
"You know it," Shining Armor said. "I'm fighting for Equestria and my unborn foal."
"Do we really have to wait eight more months for it?" Twilight Sparkle asked. "I want it to be born now!"
"Yes, you still have to wait a while," Cadance said warmly. "But when it's born, I promise I'll let you foal sit bunches of times, Aunt Twilight."
"Aw shucks!" Twilight said, blushing.
"What's this I heard about a new foal?" Rainbow Dash asked, stepping out into the balcony.
"Well, uhh..." Shining Armor stuttered nervously.
"Looks like we have to tell her," Twilight Sparkle said. "Rainbow Dash, Princess Cadance is... pregnant."
"WHAT?" Rainbow Dash cried.
"Shh!" Twilight said. "We're keeping it a secret until next week."
"I won't tell anyone," Rainbow Dash said. "Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!"
"Good." Twilight Sparkle smiled.
"My mom's pregnant too, except it's the 'reeally pregnant' kind," Rainbow Dash said. "She's going to pop it out any day now, I just can't wait!"
"Looks like Scootaloo is going to have a bit of competition, eh Rainbow Dash?" Twilight Sparkle said jokingly.
"Look!" Princess Cadance cried, pointing at the sky. A praying mantis robot materialized near the castle.
"That must be our enemy!" Shining Armor said.
"The others must already be outside," Twilight Sparkle said, "We have to join them!"
Shining, Cadance, Twilight, and Rainbow Dash ran to the front entrance of the castle and joined their eleven other friends. Their pony robot also materialized during that time.
"If our enemy's already in the city, there will be casualties for sure!" Flash Sentry said.
"That means we have to defeat it as soon as possible!" Shining Armor said. "We have no choice!"
The fifteen friends disappeared and reappeared in the cockpit. Dung Beetle was there, ready to greet them.
"Alright, let's get this party started!" Dung Beetle said.
"So this robot's controlled by thought, right?" Shining Armor asked.
"You're right," Dung Beetle said.
Rarity spotted something on the ground. "Kokopelli's glasses?" She muttered. "What are they doing here?"
"Mind if I take them?" Spike asked.
"Go ahead," Rarity said.
"Thanks," Spike said. "I'll return them to Kokopelli next time I see him."
"Speaking of which, has anyone seen him since yesterday?" Twilight Sparkle asked.
"Nope," Big Macintosh replied.
"I checked the cave that we went to and it collapsed," Flash Sentry said.
"Probably because of that battle last night," Applejack said.
The orange void around the cockpit disappeared and revealed the outside world.
"Before we start, I'd like to ask something," Shining Armor said. "Does this robot have a name?"
"Nope," Dung Beetle said.
"In that case, I have one," Rainbow Dash said.
Everyone turned to look at her.
"We're saving Equestria, right? And we want our name to sound really extreme!" Rainbow Dash continued. "So how about, Equextria!"
"Equextria... Equextria..." Shining Armor said the name a few times. "Alright, Equextria it is!"
"That's cool and all, but if you don't mind, we have a battle to fight!" Dung Beetle said.
"Okay then," Shining Armor said, taking a deep breath. "EQUEXTRIA, TAKE OFF!!"
Shining Armor prepared to take a step forward, but Equextria almost doubled over.
"Shining!" Twilight Sparkle cried after recovering from the shock.
"Piloting this thing is a lot harder than it looks!" Shining Armor shouted back.
Meanwhile, the praying mantis robot approached them. The robot prepared to swing at Equextria's head with its forelimb.
"OH NO!" Shining Armor cried.
"I'm fighting for Equestria and my unborn foal." - Shining Armor
The praying mantis robot swung at Equextria, but Shining Armor ducked out of the way.
"That was close!" Spike said.
"Completely random question," Shining Armor said. "Does this thing have lasers?"
"Sure does," Dung Beetle said.
"Awesome!" Shining Armor yelled. "LASERS, FIRE!"
Equextria fired light blue lasers toward its opponent. However, the mantis's head deflected the attack and the lasers shot through a distant mountain like it was foam.
"That mountain!" Applejack said.
"It got vaporized!" Scootaloo added.
"Bro, you're overdoing it!" Twilight Sparkle said.
"It was worth a shot..." Shining Armor muttered.
En route to Equextria, the praying mantis knocked over a building and sent ponies running from the falling debris. Meanwhile, two pegasus guards took flight and dived headfirst into the robot. However, the giant robot slapped both of them away.
"He got Blazing Comet and Flaming Wings!" Flash Sentry cried.
"Oh, he'll pay for that!" Shining Armor shouted.
On its next step, the monster took out a muffin vendor.
"Oh no, my favorite muffin shop!" Derpy cried.
"This is terrible!" Fluttershy sobbed.
The praying mantis inched forward and wrapped its limbs around Equextria's neck.
"Isn't that cute?" Pinkie Pie asked. "It's trying to give us a hug!"
"I don't think that's its intention," Flash Sentry said.
"Crap!" Shining Armor growled. "I'm gonna fire the lasers again!"
"But those didn't work last time!" Fluttershy said.
"Hey, he's the pilot, not you," Dung Beetle said, making Fluttershy look away in embarrassment.
"FIRE!" Shining Armor cried. The lasers fired again, but reflected on all sides of the creature's body.
"Ya didn't even dent it!" Apple Bloom said.
"Actually, I see a hole," Big Macintosh said in a rare speaking moment. "It's just above the enemy's upper left leg."
"Good eye!" Shining Armor said. He screamed as he used Equextria's forelegs to kick the monster's thorax. Eventually, the head separated from the rest of the body. Metal went flying and the monster fell to the ground.
"I think we beat him!" Derpy said.
"Not yet, Shining Armor didn't crush the vital point," Dung Beetle said.
Shining Armor threw the head out of the city and began stomping on the body. "Where is it?" He said. One final step stabbed through the robot's armor.
"You can stop now. It's over," Dung Beetle said. "That final stomp crushed its vital point."
The twelve lights on the panel went out and the monster disappeared from sight.
"My goodness..." Rarity said as the cockpit changed back into an orange void.
"That was amazing!" Rainbow Dash added in disbelief.
"Is it okay if we go outside?" Shining Armor asked.
Dung Beetle teleported everyone to the top of Equextria's head.
"Look at the view!" Sweetie Belle cried.
"We're so high up..." Fluttershy whimpered.
"Shining, I say we go back," Cadance said.
"In a minute, dear," Shining Armor said. He stepped out to the crown of the head, and gave one last scream to the sky. "Alright, now we can go back."
"Come on bro," Twilight chuckled. "You're embarrassing us!" Twilight nudged him with her hoof. Shining Armor's body went limp and he fell off Equextria's head, disappearing into nothingness.
"SHINING ARMOR!!" Cadance wailed, looking over the edge of the head. Tears began streaming down her face and falling down along with her husband. Cadance looked over at Twilight and saw that she was crying worse than she was.
Twilight took gasping breaths and struggled to form words. "I... barely... tapped him..." She seemed like she could pass out any second.
"Oh my gosh... Twilight?" Spike asked quietly.
"I BARELY TAPPED HIM! I BARELY TAPPED HIM! I BARELY TAPPED HIM..." Twilight Sparkle shrieked. She eventually broke down into incoherent screaming and crying.
"No one could survive a fall like that," Sweetie Belle said quietly.
"Not helping Sweetie Belle!" Rarity snapped at her sister.
Once Twilight Sparkle calmed down, she ran up and hugged Princess Cadance.
"I'm so sorry..." Twilight Sparkle said, tears still running down her face. "I killed my brother, and your husband!"
"I know you didn't mean it..." Cadance whispered, also with tears in her eyes.
"We should quit this game..." Fluttershy squeaked, about ready to bawl. "We've caused so much damage here, I can't even stand it!" She began weeping into Big Mac's chest, who wrapped his forelegs around her.
"But we can't quit!" Flash Sentry spoke up. "Once we've signed the contract, there's no turning back!"
"Alright everyone," Applejack said, trying to establish peace. "Let's get a handle on the situation."
"We have to tell somepony about this!" Fluttershy said. "Ponies have died here, that's just unforgivable!"
"No way!" Applejack said. "If word gets out to anyone, we'll become enemies of Equestria!"
"Good suggestion, Miss Element of Honesty!" Rainbow Dash spat back sarcastically. "Besides, we're saving Equestria! Who could hate us for doing that?"
"It's just... I'm a little wound up about this," Applejack said, defeated. "Point is, we should promise not to tell anyone what happened tonight unless we absolutely have to."
"We promise," everyone said.
"I think someone just called my name!" Pinkie Pie said. Her cutie mark changed to two black zigzags.
"Well, Pinkie Pie, it looks like you're the next pilot!" Dung Beetle said.
"Neato!" Pinkie Pie cheered.
"I think we all should go to bed..." Twilight said quietly. "We have an early train back to Ponyville tomorrow."
"The only thing that's certain is that my brother is dead. We can't escape that singular truth. I'm still not sure how he died, but I know I will find out soon. I also know that everyone in Equestria will find out as well." - Twilight Sparkle
The train ride back to Ponyville was very quiet. The eleven ponies and one dragon rode in complete silence back to their hometown. They still were not sure why Shining Armor died, but the guards located his body the morning they left. They never told Celestia about what really happened, but they suspected it would be a matter of time before she found out.
Twilight Sparkle had her head buried in a book the entire ride home. She couldn't bare to look at anypony after what she did. She wanted nothing else but to talk to Flash Sentry and Princess Cadance, but they were back at the Crystal Empire. Spike provided some comfort, but it was not enough to make her feel better.
"We're back," Spike said quietly.
"Yeah," Twilight Sparkle said. "Let's go home."
The purple pony and her dragon friend stepped off the train. They were followed by Pinkie Pie, who hopped merrily over to Sugarcube Corner. Once there, she was greeted by Mr. and Mrs. Cake.
"Why hello, Pinkie Pie!" Carrot Cake greeted. "How was your trip?"
"Oh, it was wonderful!" Pinkie Pie said. "There were so many sights to see and so little time!"
"Pinkie, your cutie mark is different," Cup Cake said. "Did something happen?"
Pinkie Pie looked at her zigzag cutie mark. "Well..." She remembered the Pinkie Promise that she made to her friends. "I wanted to try a new look! Did you know that the Crystal Empire has a Cutie Mark Changing Station? It's the craziest thing!"
"Alright then..." Cup Cake said.
"Anyways, how's the cake for Ponyville's Centennial Celebration coming along?" Pinkie Pie asked.
"It's out back, we'll show you," Carrot Cake said. "Be quiet though, Pound and Pumpkin are sleeping."
Pinkie Pie figuratively zipped her lips and threw away the imaginary key. The Cakes and Pinkie Pie went into Sugarcube Corner and sneaked past the sleeping foals. Carrot Cake opened the back door and revealed the cake to Pinkie Pie.
The cake was almost as big as Sugarcube Corner itself. It had five layers separated by pillars at least five feet tall. The bottom layer was as big as a house, the top as big as a stagecoach. Pink frosting covered the cake, and a golden lining gave it a finishing touch. There was a yellow 100 on the side of the third layer.
"We just finished it this morning," Carrot Cake said.
"This is positively extraordinary!" Pinkie Pie cried, "How could you possibly make this whole cake in just two days?"
"That's easy to explain..." Carrot Cake began. However, as he was explaining the process, Pinkie Pie drifted into her own thoughts.
"That cake is so big!" She thought. "What flavor could it be, chocolate, vanilla, angel food? And how much frosting did he use?"
"And that's how I did it," Carrot Cake concluded. "You got all that?"
"I think so," Pinkie Pie said, looking to one side.
"The celebration is in a few days," Cup Cake said. "It's important that this cake stays intact."
"I Pinkie Promise you," Pinkie Pie said valiantly, raising her right hoof in the air. "That I will protect this cake from any harm!"
"I'm glad to hear that." Cup Cake chuckled.
Meanwhile in Golden Oak Library, Twilight Sparkle was sorting books in silence.
"I'm telling you," Spike said. "Everyone knows you didn't mean to push Shining Armor off the robot!"
"I know, but there has to be some other reason," Twilight Sparkle said. "It's not like him to just fall like that."
Both of them heard the sound of the library door being opened.
"Come in," Twilight Sparkle said. She gasped to see who her guests were.
Twilight Velvet and Night Light stood at the door, both wearing frowns.
"Mom? Dad?" Twilight Sparkle gasped. "What are you doing here?"
"Did you hear the bad news?" Night Light asked somberly.
"I did," Twilight answered. "I was asleep at the time Eque-, the monsters attacked. The guards who found Shining's body said he died by falling."
Tears welled up in Twilight Velvet's eyes. Both Twilight Sparkle and her dad turned to look at her. "It's just... I'm so proud... of my baby boy..." She sobbed. "He gave his life to save the Crystal Empire!" She began sobbing into Night Light's chest.
"It's alright..." Night Light said. "You'll never have to see those monsters again."
Twilight also began to cry, but she composed herself quickly. "Shining Armor was one of the bravest ponies I knew," she said. "I'm sure he couldn't have been prouder to die the way he did."
"He'll be getting a royal funeral in Canterlot tomorrow," Night Light said. "It will be conducted by Princess Celestia herself."
"I can't think of anyone as deserving of an honor," Twilight said. "I know that my friends and I will definitely be there."
Meanwhile, back in Sugarcube Corner, Pinkie Pie was doing some mock fighting in her room.
"Gonna protect the cake..." She said, throwing a few punches. "Gonna protect the cake!"
Pinkie Pie looked out the window, and at witnessing the gigantic cake, let out a big sigh. "I can't wait to eat your frosted goodness!" Pinkie Pie said yearningly.
She turned back around with an intense glare. "But I have to protect you first! HIYA!" Pinkie Pie kicked the air, but she lost balance and fell to the ground.
"Owww..." Pinkie Pie groaned. She looked out the window again and saw that her opponent began to materialize in the center of Ponyville. Gasping, she ran out of her room and down the stairs.
Carrot Cake and Cup Cake gazed out their window in horror as the monster began to appear before them. Pinkie Pie ran up and joined them.
"What is that thing?" Cup Cake asked.
"Mr. and Mrs. Cake, take Pound Cake and Pumpkin Cake and get out here!" Pinkie Pie cried.
"But what about you?" Carrot Cake asked.
"I'll stay and protect the cake!" Pinkie Pie answered.
"But there's no way you'll be able to fight that thing!" Carrot Cake pointed out the window towards the monster as big as Sugarcube Corner and growing.
"I'll be fine. After all, I Pinkie Promised you!" Pinkie Pie said. "Just go!"
"Alright," Cup Cake said. The Cakes took their two infants and ran out the door. The last things she saw of them were Pound and Pumpkin's frowning faces.
"Pinkie..." Pound Cake said.
"Pie..." Pumpkin Cake finished.
"Don't worry..." Pinkie Pie said with a smile. "Aunt Pinkie's gonna be alright."
Pinkie Pie disappeared from the bakery in a flash of light.
"I Pinkie Promised Mr. and Mrs. Cake that I would protect the Ponyville Centennial Celebration Cake from any harm. I can't let them down." - Pinkie Pie
Pinkie Pie appeared in the cockpit along with the other twelve ponies and one dragon. Dung Beetle was spinning around in the air.
"It's showtime, everyone!" Dung Beetle said jovially.
"We're starting the next battle already?" Twilight Sparkle asked in despair. "This is too cruel!"
"Dung Beetle, don't bring us here without warning us!" Rarity said, her mane in curlers. "There are some things ponies need to do without being interrupted!"
"My hat!" Applejack cried, the top of her Stetson Hat missing.
"It must have been cut off during the teleportation," Dung Beetle said, "When we get back, I'll reattach it for you."
The orange void disappeared to reveal the fully teleported opponent. This one was shaped like a snail with tentacles coming out of its shell. There was a panel on its head with fourteen lights.
"Now this guy doesn't look so tough!" Pinkie Pie said.
"Look out!" Twilight cried.
The snail extended its tentacles towards Equextria. Pinkie Pie moved out of the way, but the tentacles instead hit the cake. The frosting and batter went flying and splattered on nearby buildings. The remaining layers all toppled down and ended up in a massive heap of frosting and cake batter.
"Oh no..." Pinkie Pie whimpered. "The cake..."
"Looks like that's one 'messy' situation!" Dung Beetle chuckled at his lame pun. Some other ponies rolled their eyes.
"This isn't going to end well," Sweetie Belle said.
"Pinkie Pie!" Rainbow Dash said. "You need to focus on your opponent!"
"There's no way the cake was destroyed. There's no way the cake was destroyed," Pinkie Pie mumbled ad nauseam.
"Pinkie Pie, snap out of it!" Flash Sentry shouted.
"YOU BIG MEANIE!" Pinkie Pie screamed. "YOU DESTROYED THE CAKE!" She charged toward her opponent, shrieking all the way. Pinkie Pie tipped the opponent over, and Equextria used one of its legs to pierce a hole into the snail's stomach. Pinkie Pie continued screaming as she used Equextria's legs to dig into the robot's armor. Finally, she made a hole big enough for the vital point to be visible.
"You got him on the ropes!" Scootaloo cheered.
A claw extended from one of Equextria's legs. It picked up the vital point and crushed it, making smoke come out. The fourteen lights on the snail's panel disappeared.
"That was fast," Dung Beetle said as the orange void reappeared.
Everyone looked at Pinkie Pie, expecting her to have some sort of nervous breakdown. Instead, she reverted back to her cheerful self.
"That was a ton of fun!" Pinkie Pie cheered as her cutie mark changed back to normal. "Did everyone see me take that monster down?"
"But that cake..." Fluttershy said. "I know how important it was to you."
"Don't worry, I can just help Mr. and Mrs. Cake make another one!" Pinkie Pie said. "It'll just take... Man, I'm feeling sleepy..." Pinkie Pie collapsed to the ground.
"Pinkie Pie!" Twilight Sparkle cried.
"Pinkie, what's wrong?" Apple Bloom asked.
Pinkie Pie continued to lay motionless on the ground. Twilight Sparkle felt her neck.
"She's dead," Twilight said.
"No way!" Cadance cried.
"You're kidding," Fluttershy whimpered. "Hey, Pinkie Pie!"
"Didn't Kokopelli tell you?" Dung Beetle asked. "This robot runs on the pilot's life energy, which means you're absolutely gonna die after your battles."
"Are you joking?" Spike cried out.
"What makes you think I would do that?" Dung Beetle asked back.
"So that's what happened to Shining Armor," Cadance said. "Twilight didn't knock him off, but... I don't believe it. I mean, this is insane!"
"Does this mean I'm going to die too?" Scootaloo asked, shaking in her hooves.
"What are you talking about? You'll be fine!" Rainbow Dash replied with a nervous chuckle. "This will all work out fine!"
"Hey, you said this thing moves using our life forces, so we'll be fine if we don't pilot the robot, right?" Spike said to Dung Beetle. "We might as well not fight at all!"
"I'm pretty sure this is set up so that we can't get away," Twilight Sparkle said.
"Twilight hit it right on the nail!" Dung Beetle said. "You can run if you want, but if you haven't won the battle after 48 hours, Equestria will be destroyed anyway! This should be obvious, but if one of you punks loses your battle, you'll also blow up. So you can either win your battle and die saving Equestria, or lose your battle and take Equestria with you. Those are your two choices."
Fluttershy fainted, but Rainbow Dash catched her before she hit the ground.
"Your enemies are really crazy, so it's best to defeat them as soon as possible," Dung Beetle continued.
"You scumbag, you tricked us!" Spike hollered, charging toward Dung Beetle. However, the flying creature moved away.
"Woah there, not a good idea to attack your messenger," Dung Beetle said. "In exchange for your lives, you'll gain tremendous power that you can use to save your friends and the world."
"I've had enough of you, you piece of crap!" Spike said, charging at Dung Beetle again.
"Wow, you're the feisty one!" Dung Beetle chuckled. "Watch out, you could be next."
Spike gasped and shook in frozen horror. He slowly looked down at his stomach, and saw that there were two zigzags on it.
"No... no..." Spike whimpered. He then screamed into the open air, the echo reverberating around the cockpit.
Twilight Sparkle ran to his side. "You monster!" Twilight Sparkle shouted. "How could you choose him next?"
"Don't look at me, I don't choose these battles," Dung Beetle said. "Anyways, I'm bored of you all. See you later." He teleported everyone back home.
Twilight Sparkle and Spike arrived back at the library. Spike was still in a fetal position.
"I can't believe I heard the call." Spike said quietly.
"Why does it have to be me? Why do I have to go through with this? I don't want to die..." - Spike
"Are you ready to go, Spike?" Twilight Sparkle asked.
"Yeah," Spike said quietly.
Twilight Sparkle and Spike were getting prepared for Shining Armor's funeral. Twilight had on a black dress, while Spike had on a tuxedo shirt.
"That tuxedo looks really sharp on you," Twilight Sparkle said. "Plus, it'll do a really good job at hiding your mark."
"Hiding that is the least of my problems now..." Spike muttered.
"I'm sorry you have to be the next pilot, but you'll have the opportunity to save Equestria," Twilight Sparkle said, placing a hoof on Spike. "I'm sure you'll be given a hero's funeral."
"Let's just go," Spike said.
They both left the library to find Big Macintosh, Applejack, and Apple Bloom standing at their doorway.
"Thanks for picking us up," Twilight Sparkle said. "But you didn't have to stand in the rain."
"We're alright," Applejack said, "Sorry about what happened to your brother."
"I'm glad I still have you around, Applejack," Twilight said. "Oh, do you know whatever happened to Pinkie Pie's body?"
"Not sure," Applejack replied. "Last time I saw it was back in the cockpit."
"I guess we should find everyone else before it starts raining too hard," Twilight Sparkle said. "The carriages that were sent for us should be here any minute."
Eventually, the Mane 5, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Derpy Hooves, Big Macintosh, and Spike gathered in the center of Ponyville where there were two horse drawn carriages that would take them to Canterlot.
"What should we do when the princesses ask us about Pinkie Pie?" Fluttershy asked.
"I've got it covered," Twilight Sparkle said.
Eventually, the two carriages arrived in Canterlot. The eleven friends disembarked and were greeted by Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. Everyone bowed at the sight of the two princesses.
"Thank you all for coming," Princess Celestia said. "Princess Twilight, I offer my condolences."
"Pinkie Pie seems to be missing," Princess Luna said. "Where is she?"
"She went missing in the attack on Ponyville yesterday," Twilight said. "We're not sure what happened to her."
"I see," Luna said.
"Anyways, I would like you all to meet with me after the funeral," Celestia said." There is something very important I'd like to discuss with you."
The eleven friends and two princesses entered the castle, and Twilight Sparkle was greeted with a hug from her parents.
"I'm so glad you came!" Twilight Velvet said.
"I wouldn't miss my brother's funeral for anything," Twilight Sparkle said.
The next hour was filled with grief. Speeches were given, solemn hymns were sang, and tears were shed. During the closing moments of the funeral, Spike snuck out the back door. Once the funeral ended, Princess Celestia gathered Twilight Sparkle and her eleven other pony friends in a private chamber.
"Hello everypony," Princess Celestia said. "I've gathered you all here to ask a very important question. What happened to Pinkie Pie yesterday?"
"With all due respect, I already told you," Twilight Sparkle said. "She went missing in the attack on Ponyville."
"Oh, so how can you explain this?" Celestia asked.
Two guards carried out Pinkie Pie's corpse, which was covered in mud and leaves.
"Oh dear..." Fluttershy whimpered.
"It's so gross!" Rarity cried.
"We found it in the Everfree Forest this morning," Celestia continued.
"This isn't what it looks like!" Twilight Sparkle blurted out.
"It's alright, I know everything that happened," Celestia said.
"I had to tell Aunt Celestia about the game," Cadance spoke up. "Sorry everyone."
"This is a threat that should not be scoffed at," Princess Luna said. "This is a top priority for all of Equestria, and as such, you will all be escorted by a guard around the clock."
"Alright, but I don't think they'll be able to come with us when we're summoned to Equextria," Applejack said.
"Equextria?" Luna repeated back.
"That's the name of our robot," Apple Bloom said. "Once we're summoned to it, we have no choice to fight."
"Hundreds of ponies have died so far, and there will certainly be more to come," Celestia said. "I don't want you all to bear that responsibility."
"Does that mean we'll be saved?" Fluttershy asked.
"As my sister said, this is a top priority," Celestia explained. "We will do everything in our power to ensure that you will not be forced to pilot the robot. Speaking of which, do you know where it is?"
"We actually don't have full control of it," Twilight Sparkle said. "Whenever there's a battle, Dung Beetle makes it appear."
"Dung Beetle?" Celestia asked.
"I think we should introduce you to him. He should appear if we call," Flash Sentry said. "Dung Beetle!"
"Dung Beetle!" Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo called out.
"Dung Beetle!" Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle called out.
"Are you there, Dungy?" Derpy Hooves asked.
Soon, everyone was calling out Dung Beetle's name. The princesses looked mildly confused.
"Someone call?" Dung Beetle said, appearing out of nowhere. "And Dungy? Are you serious, Derpy?"
"Hello Dung Beetle," Celestia said. "Equestria is in grave danger, and we need your assistance in investigating how Equextria really works."
"Truly, I don't know myself!" Dung Beetle replied. "All I know is that it's powered using life energy."
"Alright, so what do you all remember about the previous three battles?" Celestia asked.
"Pinkie Pie was the pilot for the last one, Shining Armor piloted the robot in the battle before that, and for the very first battle, somepony named Kokopelli piloted the robot," Twilight Sparkle explained.
"And I assume this Kokopelli is dead as well?" Luna asked.
"I guess so." Scootaloo said.
"Well then, who's the pilot for the next battle?" Celestia asked.
"It's Spike," Twilight Sparkle said. She soon noticed that Spike was absent from the meeting room. "SPIKE?!"
"Spike, where are you?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"I'll see if I can find him," Rarity said, exiting the chamber. "I sure hope he hasn't gone far."
"I look out to all the fish in the sea, and I see that they're trapped, just like I am. I can't escape this battle. No matter what, I can't fight fate." - Spike
"Spike?" Rarity called out, running out of the Canterlot city limits. "SPIKE!"
She saw a robot materialize out in the open. It didn't look like Equextria, so she assumed it would be their next opponent.
"Spike, where are you?" Rarity cried. "Wait, all the enemies so far have materialized near where the pilot is!" She ran further down the mountain toward the enemy robot.
Meanwhile, Spike was at a nearby lake, staring at the coast. "So you can't escape either?" Spike said quietly, addressing the fish.
"Spike?" Rarity said, walking up behind him.
With tears in his eyes, Spike turned around to look at her.
"Spikey-wikey..." Rarity said.
"I look out to all the fish in the sea, and I see that they're trapped, just like I am. I can't escape this battle. No matter what, I can't fight fate," Spike said, turning back around. "Hey, am I... really the next pilot?"
"Yeah," Rarity said.
"Why does it have to be me?" Spike started shaking. "This is all just a dream, right?"
"It isn't," Rarity said. "I'm sorry."
"This is giant robots we're talking about here!" Spike snapped, turning sharply towards Rarity. "Even with Equextria, how am I supposed to fight them?"
The enemy robot was already halfway materialized. Equextria started materializing, but at a much slower rate than its opponent.
"Dammit, I didn't call for you!" Spike screamed at the robots. "You shouldn't have come!"
Spike took a step back and began breathing heavily. "I'm not going to ride it," he said. "I don't want to!"
"But what about everyone in Equestria?" Rarity said. "All of your friends, the princesses, don't you want to save them?"
"But if I ride it, I'm gonna die!" Spike yelled.
"Spike, I'm going to die too," Rarity told him.
"Not until later!" Spike cried out. "I'm going to die next!"
Clenching his fists, Spike walked over to a rock and began stomping on it.
"Why does this always happen to me?!" Spike growled while stomping. "What have I done to deserve all this?! Why were we chosen?! Why our lives being thrown away to save Equestria?!"
"Spike, stop it," Rarity whimpered.
"I... I can't just die like this..." Spike stopped stomping. He turned to Rarity with an unusually serene look on his face. "Hey Rarity, I've always liked you."
"Yes..." Rarity replied, confused. "I know."
"You're pretty, talented, and the most generous pony I know." Spike inched toward Rarity, his smile growing bigger. When he finally reached Rarity, he wrapped his arms around her. "You're the only one I need!"
"Uhh... Spike?" Rarity whispered. When Spike's hand moved close to her flank, she shoved him off.
Spike got up and looked at Rarity like a wildebeast hunting his prey. Rarity gasped and ran away, with Spike giving chase.
Meanwhile, the rest of the group was on the deck of Canterlot Castle, looking at the two robots materializing nearby.
"I wonder where Rarity and Spike are?" Sweetie Belle said.
"I hope they get back here before it's too late," Celestia said. "We need then to pilot that giant robot."
"Don't worry, Dung Beetle will transfer them to the cockpit along with the rest of us when the battle starts," Twilight Sparkle said.
As that was happening, Spike chased Rarity all the way to a cave near Canterlot.
"Spike, stop it!" Rarity cried. "This is crazy!"
"Don't worry!" Spike cackled maniacally. "We have nothing to lose!" Spike leaped at Rarity, but she moved out of the way and entered the cave.
A little ways in, Rarity found herself on the edge of a chasm. Spike slowly walked over to her.
"You have nowhere to run now." Spike said, panting heavily. He wrapped his arms around Rarity.
"Get off me you ruffian!" Rarity shouted. She kicked Spike off of her and knocked him into the chasm. She looked down and heard Spike's screams as he descended to the bottom. When she could no longer hear him, Rarity turned around and walked out of the cave.
Elsewhere, the eleven ponies and two princesses were teleported into the cockpit.
"So this is the cockpit you all were talking about," Celestia said. "It certainly is a mysterious place."
"We can look outside whenever a battle starts," Applejack said.
Rarity appeared in the cockpit.
"Where's Spike?" Twilight asked immediately.
"You don't want to know..." Rarity said.
Spike's bloody body appeared in the cockpit. A puddle of blood and dirt formed around it. Everyone screamed at the disgusting sight.
"Holy crap, what the hell happened to him?!" Rainbow Dash cried.
"Somebody answer us!" Twilight shrieked.
"I killed him," Rarity muttered. "I had to."
"Sis, are you out of your mind?" Sweetie Belle cried.
"He attacked me, and I accidentally killed him in self defense," Rarity replied. "I'm willing to take any punishment that comes my way."
"Poor Spike..." Twilight sobbed. She picked up Spike and wept into his shoulder.
"We have a problem here," Dung Beetle said. "We're down a pilot." He sighed and continued. "We're just lucky he died before the battle started. We'll just have a replacement pilot selected for us."
"I got the call."
Most of the other ponies gasped.
"It's me," Cadance said, her cutie mark now consisting of two zigzags. "I'm the next pilot."
"I was going to reveal that I was pregnant next week. But now that I know the true nature of this game, I don't think I can tell anyone now." - Princess Cadance
"It's me," Cadance said, her cutie mark now consisting of two zigzags. "I'm the next pilot."
"Cadance!" Twilight sobbed, hugging her former foalsitter. "Not you too!"
"It's alright," Princess Cadance said. "I have to do this." She thought back to the time that she found out she was pregnant.
"Shining, Shining!" Cadance cried.
"I'm coming!" Shining Armor replied, running into their bedroom. "What is it, dear?"
"I'm pregnant," Cadance said with a gleaming smile. "We're going to be parents, Shining."
"That's awesome!" Shining Armor said. "Who do you think we should tell first?"
"I would say your family," Cadance said. "After that, I think we should tell Aunt Celestia."
"Alright, sounds like a plan," Shining Armor said.
The next day, Cadance and Shining Armor visited Twilight Sparkle at the Golden Oak Library. Twilight Velvet and Night Light were there also.
"Well, what was it you wanted to tell us?" Twilight Velvet asked.
"I have a pretty good idea," Night Light replied, a proud smile on his face.
"You don't mean..." Twilight Sparkle gasped.
"Yes, I'm pregnant," Cadance said, "Shining Armor and I are going to be parents in nine months."
"I'm so glad to hear that," Twilight Velvet said.
"That... is... AMAZING!" Twilight Sparkle cried, jumping up and running to the expectant couple. "What are you going to name it? Will it be a boy or a girl? Are you..."
Princess Cadance chuckled awkwardly at the flurry of questions from Twilight Sparkle.
"We'll learn about that in due time," Shining Armor said, stepping in for Cadance.
"I know I'm acting pretty crazy, but I'm just so excited!" Twilight Sparkle cheered, jumping up and down.
Her parents shared a giggle at their overjoyed daughter.
"The last time I saw her that happy is when we told her she was going to magical school," Night Light said to his wife.
"I don't even think she was that happy when she became a princess!" Twilight Velvet replied, chuckling.
"I'm going to be an aunt!" Twilight Sparkle cheered, jumping the highest she had in a long time.
"You sure are!" Shining Armor said. "The future's gonna be great!"
"Shining, you fool..." Cadance said, focusing her thoughts on the present. "Then again, I couldn't have predicted this either. What will happen to my foal?" Princess Cadance looked at Twilight Sparkle with pleading eyes. Twilight replied with a shake of the head. It was as if the two princesses could communicate telepathically.
"Poor Twilight," Cadance thought. "It must be the hardest for her." She also looked at Rainbow Dash, who was looking away and digging her hoof into the ground. "It has to be hard for Rainbow Dash too."
"Are you ready to fight?" Princess Celestia asked.
"I think so," Cadance said.
"I have absolute faith in you," Celestia replied.
"Come to think of it, I didn't even tell her about my baby." Cadance thought back to when she told her aunt about the game that morning.
"Aunt Celestia?" Princess Cadance said, stepping nervously into the Canterlot throne room. "I have some information about the recent attacks."
"I've been curious about those myself," Celestia said.
"Remember that night where my friends and I came home late?" Cadance explained. "It was because we found this weird pony in a cave, who wanted us to play a game. We signed up for it, not knowing what we were getting into. We had to battle fifteen monsters using a giant robot. So that giant, purple pony robot that you've been seeing lately is actually piloted by us. However, every time the robot wins a battle, the pilot dies."
"I see," Celestia explained. "Is there anyway you can escape this game?"
"It doesn't appear so," Cadance said, "We all promised not to tell anypony about what happened, but I have my hooves tied. Please understand, this is to save Equestria."
"I'm guessing that's what happened to Pinkie Pie and your husband," Celestia said. "My guards found Pinkie Pie's corpse in the Everfree Forest early this morning. I plan to have a meeting with everyone else later today."
"After the funeral, of course. Right?" Cadance asked.
Princess Celestia replied with a nod.
"Thank you," Cadance bowed and quickly left the throne room.
"It's time to start the battle!" Dung Beetle said, snapping Cadance out of her thoughts. "First, let me clean that up for you."
Spike's bloody body disappeared from the cockpit.
"Where did you take him to?" Twilight cried. "Did you take him to Everfree Forest again?"
"You'll have to find out for yourself," Dung Beetle said.
"I'll do a fly by of Equestria," Princess Luna said, "I should be able to spot Spike's body somewhere." She also vanished from the cockpit.
"Now let's see who you'll face off against!" Dung Beetle said as the orange void disappeared.
Everyone looked outside and saw their enemy. It looked like the blade of a chainsaw attached to a red pedestal with four legs. The surface was so bright, one could see Equextria's reflection on it. Each spike on the giant chainsaw looked as big as Princess Celestia.
"Now that is one sick monster!" Scootaloo said enthusiastically.
"I think it looks gross," Rarity said.
"Either way, I'm going to destroy it," Cadance said.
"That's the spirit!" Rainbow Dash said while hoof pumping.
"Now how do I attack it?" Princess Cadance thought.
The blades on the chainsaw started revving up, the whirring noises echoing throughout the land.
"I'd say we better get this show on the road!" Applejack said.
"Alright then," Cadance said. "EQUEXTRIA, TAKE OFF!"
"As a princess, I have made it my sworn duty to protect Equestria at any cost!" - Princess Cadance.
Princess Cadance observed the situation she was in. The only thing standing between her enemy and Canterlot was Equextria.
"We can't let it get near Canterlot," Celestia said.
"Don't worry," Cadance said. "As a princess, I have made it my sworn duty to protect Equestria at any cost!"
Equextria began charging up its lasers.
"You're gonna fire at it?" Rainbow Dash asked. "That didn't work when Shining Armor did it!"
"But I'm not Shining Armor," Cadance said. "Lasers, fire!"
Equextria fired its lasers toward its opponent. However, the robot's mirror like surface deflected the beams and sent them towards the sky.
"It didn't work!" Applejack said.
"Nope," Big Macintosh added.
"Alright, it looks like I'll have to use hoof to hoof combat," Cadance said.
Equextria marched over to the enemy robot. It kicked the enemy with its foreleg. However, the enemy's surface deflected it.
"So the enemy deflects both lasers and physical attacks?" Twilight asked.
"This is bad!" Scootaloo said.
"I'm not giving up!" Cadance growled.
Equextria stood on its hind legs and stomped on the enemy robot. However, the enemy deflected both hooves and made Equextria fall over on its back.
"Get up, quick!" Sweetie Belle shrieked.
"I know!" Cadance cried. She made Equextria roll over to one side and stand back up.
"This is the toughest opponent we've had so far," Apple Bloom said.
"Eeyup." Big Macintosh added.
The blade of the chainsaw started revving up and moving towards Equextria.
"If that robot hits our cockpit, we're done for!" Flash Sentry said.
"Does anyone know where Equextria's cockpit is?" Rarity asked.
"I'm not sure, but we're gonna be in big trouble if that robot gets any closer!" Twilight Sparkle said.
The blade of the opponent approached Equextria's head, however Cadance stopped it with Equextria's hooves.
"You'll have to try a lot harder than that if you want to win!" Cadance said.
While being sandwiched Equextria's hooves, the blade moved closer to Equextria's head. Equextria dug its hooves into the ground, but even so, the blade still pushed Equextria back a few inches.
"It looks like it's a battle of strength now," Cadance said.
"I know you can do it," Twilight Sparkle said.
Equextria took a step forward and managed to move the bladed robot back a little. The enemy responded by making its chainsaw spin faster.
"This is getting bad!" Fluttershy cried. "We need to evacuate Canterlot!"
"But we're blocking the only exit!" Twilight Sparkle responded.
"Well, we should at least get all the ponies to lower ground!" Fluttershy said.
"Don't worry, I'll issue a lock down for Canterlot right now." Princess Celestia said, "Dung Beetle, could you transport me to the castle?"
"All right, off you go," Dung Beetle said, making Celestia disappear.
Sweat rolled down Cadance's face as she used all of her will power to hold her opponent back. Still, the robot knocked her over on her back once again. The blade moved toward Equextria's head. However, Equextria rolled out of the way and blade instead cut into the ground.
"If I can't beat it with strength, I'll have to beat it with smarts," Cadance said.
"What do you mean?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"I have an idea," Cadance said.
Cadance moved around the enemy so that it was between Canterlot and Equextria.
"What are you doing?" Rainbow Dash asked. "You're leaving Canterlot wide open to an attack!"
"I just want to try something here," Cadance replied.
As Cadance predicted, the enemy robot started walking towards Equextria.
"It doesn't want to attack Canterlot..." Twilight Sparkle said.
"It just wants to attack us!" Scootaloo cried.
Cadance ran away from the robot, which caused it to pursue her. Equextria galloped down the mountain and across the plain, heading towards another nearby mountain.
"Where the hay are you going?" Applejack asked.
"You'll see." Cadance answered.
Celestia teleported back to the cockpit. "I saw Equextria running from the robot," Celestia said. "What's going on?"
"Cadance is gonna defeat the robot!" Derpy said happily.
As Equextria was running toward the mountain, it tripped on a rock and fell down on its stomach. Nearby, the enemy robot was catching up to it.
"It's gaining on us!" Apple Bloom cried.
Equextria struggled to get up as the enemy moved closer.
"HURRY!" Rarity shouted.
Equextria got back up and faced the enemy robot.
"You're not gonna try to hit it again, are you?" Twilight asked.
"Nope," Princess Cadance answered.
The blade moved towards Equextria's head, but Cadance once again blocked it with Equextria's hooves once again. In response, the chainsaw spun harder than it ever had before and began cutting into Equextria's head. Cadance used all of her might to move the blade back a little, but the spikes still cut into the top layer of Equextria's scalp.
"It'll tear into our head if we don't act quick!" Rainbow Dash said.
Luna teleported back into the cockpit. "Hello everyone, how is the battle going?" She asked.
"Not very good," Dung Beetle said. "I doubt they'll be able to make it out of this fix!"
"SHUT UP!" Cadance roared. She pushed the blade back so it was no longer cutting Equextria's head, but it was still very close.
"Win or lose, you're an amazing fighter, Your Majesty," Flash Sentry said.
"Don't worry," Cadance said, gritting her teeth. "I. Won't. Lose."
The test of strength between the two robots continued. The fate of Equestria was in Princess Cadance's hooves, both figuratively and literally.
"I'm sorry. I've been a really bad mother." - Princess Cadance
The test of strength between the two robots continued. The enemy was gaining an upper hand, but Equextria still held its ground.
"I'm not giving up!" Cadance shouted. With one final push, she knocked the enemy away from her.
"You got him!" Flash Sentry said.
"Now I can beat him," Cadance said.
Equextria climbed a ledge elevated about thirty feet off the ground and waited for its opponent.
"This should be perfect," Cadance said.
"Part of your plan?" Twilight Sparkle asked.
"You know it," Cadance answered.
The enemy began sawing the ledge that Equextria was on off the mountain.
"Why are you just standing there?" Scootaloo asked.
"I'll move in just a second," Cadance replied.
When the robot was about three-fifths of a way done sawing off the ledge, Equextria stepped back onto a more stable part of the mountain.
"Now I've got you!" Cadance said.
The sawed off part of the mountain fell on the blade of the giant robot, trapping it under the boulder's weight.
"Good thinking Cadance," Celestia said. "Now it's time to finish the job."
Equextria stepped down to ground level and impaled the pedestal of its enemy with its pointed foreleg. The claw pulled out the enemy's vital point and crushed it, making smoke come out.
"Well, you've achieved your hardest fought victory so far," Dung Beetle said as the orange void reappeared around the cockpit. "How do you feel?"
"I'm going to die soon," Cadance said quietly. "How do you think I feel?"
"Princess Cadance!" Twilight Sparkle cried, running up to her.
Cadance's striped cutie mark disappeared and returned back to normal. "I'm sorry," she said. "I've been a really bad mother." She collapsed on the ground and fell into a deep sleep.
"Cadance! CADANCE!" Twilight Sparkle sobbed on her former foalsitter's body. "This isn't fair! This isn't right!"
"Twilight... I..." Princess Celestia wasn't sure what to say in this situation. She knew how to do a lot of things, but comforting somepony who lost two friends on the same day was not one of them.
"She died protecting Equestria," Flash Sentry said. "I can't think of a better way to go out."
"I'm proud of Cadance too, but she had such a life in front of her," Twilight said, wiping the last tears from her eyes. "I never wanted it to end so soon!"
"Is Canterlot okay?" Fluttershy asked.
"Surprisingly enough, Canterlot took zero damage," Celestia said. "I couldn't think of a better result."
"Dung Beetle, is it okay if we all go outside?" Twilight Sparkle asked.
"Sure thing," Dung Beetle said. He teleported everyone from the cockpit to outside where the battle took place. Twilight stared at Equextria's head.
"Something wrong, Twilight?" Rarity asked.
"Does everypony see the lights on Equextria's head?" Twilight said.
"Yeah, but not very well," Rainbow Dash said.
"Princess Luna, could you fly up and see how many lights there are?" Twilight Sparkle asked.
"Absolutely," Luna replied.
She flew up towards Equextria's head.
"There are twelve lights," Luna called back. "And two of them went out just now!"
"That leaves ten lights left," Twilight Sparkle said. "I have this theory that those lights represent our lives."
"That makes sense considering that everypony but Sweetie Belle signed the contract that day," Rarity said. "Two lights must have went out because both Spike and Princess Cadance died."
"That leads me to another theory," Twilight Sparkle said, "Only Cadance died in battle, while Spike died before the battle started, so a light only goes out when somepony wins a battle."
"But why did two lights go out?" Scootaloo asked.
"Princess Cadance was pregnant," Twilight Sparkle said. "She didn't want me to tell anypony, but now that she's dead, it doesn't really matter."
"That can't be true!" Sweetie Belle blurted out. "Then again, before she died, she did say she was a bad mother..."
"The only other ponies who knew were Shining Armor, my parents, and Rainbow Dash," Twilight Sparkle said.
"So Cadance's baby was contracted too?" Applejack said. "Can that even happen?"
"It's a possibility," Flash Sentry said.
"Hold on, we've defeated four enemies so far, so that means there's eleven left," Applebloom said. "But there's only ten of us. We're one pilot short!"
"In that case, Princess Luna and I would be glad to be replacement pilots," Celestia said.
"Absolutely, it's our duty to protect Equestria at all costs." Luna said.
"In that case, feel free to make a contract now," Dung Beetle said. "But take some time to think, you can't turn back on this."
"We've made our decision a long time ago," Celestia said. Both she and Luna placed their hooves on the podium and formed a contract.
"Looks like your fates are sealed!" Dung Beetle said. "But you won't be chosen until everypony else is used up though."
"I don't even want to think about that," Fluttershy said quietly.
"I just remembered something," Twilight Sparkle said. "Luna, did you ever find Spike?"
"I couldn't," Luna replied. "I'm sorry."
"Speaking of which, will I be punished for killing Spike?" Rarity said.
"I think what you're going through is punishment enough," Celestia said.
"In that case, I at least want to apologize to Twilight." Rarity said.
"It's alright," Twilight Sparkle said, giving Rarity a hug. "He was going to die anyway."
"I really can't believe we have to say that about our own friends," Scootaloo muttered sadly.
Big Macintosh gasped and looked at his flank. It now consisted of two black zigzags.
"Big Mac..." Applejack said. "You got selected next?"
"Eeyup," Big Macintosh said, still shaking.
"Three years ago, my parents disappeared. I was ten years old at the time. Since then, I've lived with my sisters Applejack and Apple Bloom, and our Granny Smith. I hope our parents return soon, but I doubt they ever will in my lifetime." - Big Macintosh.
The night following Princess Cadance's battle, Twilight Sparkle returned back to her library home. Once she entered the library, she noticed a bump emerging from Spike's bed.
"I wonder what that could be?" Twilight thought as she walked over there. She lifted the covers off and found Spike's bloody corpse.
"Oh dear Celestia!" Twilight whimpered, tears welling up in her eyes. "How could I let this happen to you..." She began sobbing over Spike's body.
Early the next morning, Big Macintosh observed the sunrise shine on the trees of Sweet Apple Acres. He let the gentle wind blow through his orange mane. Applejack walked up and stood next to him.
"Big Mac, are you alright?" Applejack asked.
"I'm fine," Big Macintosh replied.
Applejack's eyes widened in shock. "Big Mac, you didn't answer with 'eeyup,'" she said.
"I just feel different today," Big Macintosh said. "Knowing that this will be one of the last sunrises I'll ever see... I just want to take it all in."
"I know how you feel," Applejack said.
"What I'm really worried about... after I'm gone..." Big Macintosh explained solemnly. "What will happen to the farm?"
Applejack turned to face her brother. "Don't worry, I'll take over things from here on out..."
"That's the other thing I'm worried about," Big Macintosh said. "I have a feeling you're not going to last much longer than I will. Who will take over the farm after that?"
"Don't say things like that!" Applejack shouted. "It's just... I'm as scared of dying as you are..." Her eyes welled up in tears as she embraced her big brother.
"If I could have any wish before I die..." Big Macintosh whispered. "I hope we could see our parents again before my battle."
"Stop it!" Applejack sobbed. "You're making it worse!"
"I'm sorry," Big Macintosh said, tears forming in his eyes also. "I just want to see them so bad. Even if I fail to, I want Apple Bloom to see them. She barely even remembers them!"
"Speaking of which, should I wake Apple Bloom up?" Applejack said.
"No need," Apple Bloom said, walking up the hill that Big Macintosh and Applejack were on.
"You're awake!" Applejack said.
"Yeah, I just want to spend as much time with Big Mac as I can," Apple Bloom said.
"Don't worry," Big Macintosh said. "From now until my battle, we'll spend every waking moment together."
"We should start getting ready for the harvest," Applejack said. "We have a long day ahead of us."
"Should we tell Granny Smith about all this?" Big Macintosh said.
"No, I just don't want her to dread your death," Applejack said.
"Then what excuse will you give for me being dead?" Big Macintosh said.
"I don't know, I'll think of something..." Applejack said.
Big Macintosh and Applejack turned to see Apple Bloom sobbing.
"I don't want to see you go, Big Mac!" Apple Bloom cried.
"I'm sorry Applebloom," Big Macintosh said, beginning to weep himself.
The three siblings embraced and looked at the sunrise, wondering if it would be the final one Big Macintosh would ever see.
Back at the library, Twilight heard a knocking at the door. She had fallen asleep by Spike's corpse, and felt like a bag of sand as she woke up.
"I'm coming," Twilight said groggily. She hid Spike's dead body and walked toward the door. When Twilight answered it, it was none other than a wall-eyed, gray pegasus.
"Hi Twilight!" Derpy Hooves said with a grin. "Are you alright? You look kinda sleepy."
"Hi Derpy," Twilight Sparkle replied. "I've just had a really bad night."
"I have really good news for you!" Derpy said, "It turns out that I'll be your mailmare from now on!"
"Oh, that's nice," Twilight Sparkle said with a small smile. "Any letters from Princess Celestia?"
"Just one," Derpy said, giving the letter to Twilight. "Well, I'm off to complete the rest of my route. See ya!"
After Derpy Hooves left, Twilight opened the letter using her magic and read it aloud.
"Dear Twilight Sparkle," she began. "Due to Princess Cadance's recent passing, I have decided to appoint Princess Luna as ruler of the Crystal Empire. I will make this announcement publicly tomorrow. Regards, Princess Celestia."
Twilight began to tear up again. "Why does everyone of us have to die? What crime did our world commit to deserve this?"
Meanwhile, at the Carousel Boutique, Rarity was working on her latest project. It appeared as if she was just putting on the finishing touches. Sweetie Belle came up from behind her.
"Hey Sis, what are you working on?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"Just my latest inspiration." Rarity answered.
"Could I take a look?" Sweetie Belle said.
"I'll show it to everyone when the next battle begins," Rarity said. "It should be done by then."
Sweetie Belle looked away for a split second. "Rarity, once you get done with it, could we spend the rest of the day together? I want to spent as much time as possible with you before you..."
Rarity smiled and placed her hoof on Sweetie Belle's shoulder. "Absolutely."
Sweetie Belle was trying to hold back tears, but she also smiled and hugged her sister.
"Everypony, the future is in your hooves now." - Big Macintosh
Just as the cylinder approached Ponyville's city limits, Equextria arched over it and dug its two front hooves into the ground.
"Just in the nick of time," Twilight Sparkle said, wiping sweat off her brow.
However, this still didn't stop the enemy robot from rolling forward until it was stopped by Equextria's forelegs. Still, the enemy kept rolling and began tearing the armor off of Equextria's legs.
"It's rolling us over!" Flash Sentry said.
"If you don't think of something quick, your legs are done for," Dung Beetle said.
Big Macintosh gritted his teeth and focused his attention forward.
"I have an idea," Scootaloo said.
"Well, go on, tell me!" Big Macintosh replied.
"Maybe if you pick it up, it'll stop spinning," Scootaloo explained.
"That might just work," Sweetie Belle said.
"In that case..." Big Macintosh said.
Big Macintosh moved Equextria's left foreleg to behind the robot while keeping the right foreleg in place. He then used both forelegs to pick the cylinder up and put it across Equextria's right shoulder.
"What will you do next?" Rarity asked.
"I'm going to move this thing as far away from here as I can," Big Macintosh answered.
Equextria started slowly walking away from Ponyville with the enemy robot still mounted on its shoulder.
"It's too bad Equextria isn't a pegasus or unicorn. We'd be able to transport the enemy faster," Rainbow Dash said. "No offense."
"None taken," Applejack said.
"It looks like Mayor Mare, Granny Smith, and the others have gotten away," Fluttershy said.
"Good," Twilight Sparkle said. "Dung Beetle, I have to ask you something."
"Shoot," Dung Beetle said.
"Where are Princess Celestia and Princess Luna?" Twilight Sparkle asked. "They're both contracted too, so they should be here with the rest of us."
"Oh yeah, I forgot about that," Dung Beetle said. "I promise to bring them here for the next battle."
Equextria, with the cylindrical enemy still in tow, continued to trudge across the landscape.
"There's a small lake about a half a mile south of Ponyville," Twilight Sparkle said. "Big Macintosh, do you think you can take our enemy there?"
"Eeyup," Big Macintosh replied.
"I sure hope Dinky got out all right," Derpy Hooves said.
"Dinky?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"She's my daughter," Derpy replied. "I wanted to introduce you all to her when we were still at the Crystal Empire, but my husband, Dr. Hooves, came home recently and he insisted that I take a vacation while he spent some alone time with her."
"I didn't know you had a daughter," Rarity said.
"She goes to school with your sister and her friends," Derpy said.
"Come to think of it, I do think she sits two seats behind me," Apple Bloom said. "I had no idea you were her mother."
"My husband has to leave again soon," Derpy Hooves said, "I wish we could have spent more time as a family, but I'll definitely spend as much time with my Dinky as possible before I get chosen!"
"Well, there seems to be more to you than I thought, Derpy," Dung Beetle said.
"Thanks Dungy!" Derpy Hooves replied happily.
"DON'T CALL ME THAT!"
Meanwhile, Big Macintosh managed to transport his enemy all the way to the edge of the lake. However, all of a sudden, it began moving again.
"Why is it still spinning?" Big Macintosh asked.
"From what I see, it seems to push against the air as it turns," Dung Beetle said, "That's the best explanation I can offer."
"Big Mac, place it vertically in the water!" Twilight Sparkle said.
Big Macintosh placed the enemy vertically in the center of the lake. It started spinning again, but instead of moving, it created a small whirlpool.
"Now it can move all it wants," Twilight Sparkle said. "But it's not budging an inch."
"Good thinking," Scootaloo said.
Big Macintosh attempted to get his enemy to stop rotating by placing Equextria's hoof on its surface. As the cylinder spun faster, Equextria sheared more of its armor off.
"I get it," Flash Sentry said, "You're taking the enemy's attack and using it against itself!"
Eventually, the cylinder, with half of its armor peeled off, stopped spinning completely.
"I could never believe it," Big Macintosh said. "That the lives of everypony are in my hooves. It doesn't seem real."
"Big Mac..." Applejack whimpered, tears rolling down her cheeks.
"Applejack, Apple Bloom," Big Macintosh continued, "Look out for each other for as long as you two live."
"We will," Apple Bloom sobbed, hugging her crying sister.
"Dung Beetle, I have a request," Big Macintosh asked. "After I die, could you hide my body in a remote area? I'd rather have Granny Smith think I was only missing."
"I have a better idea," Dung Beetle said, "Why don't I hide it inside Equextria like I did with Cadance? That way no one could find you no matter how hard they looked!"
"You did what?" Twilight said, turning pale.
"Fine, but in either case, Applejack, I want you to tell Granny Smith that I went missing," Big Macintosh said. "If she find out that I died, I feel like it would just wreck her."
"But... but..." Applejack stammered.
"Big Macintosh..." Fluttershy began to cry herself. "I don't want you to go!"
"Sorry Fluttershy, it's just the way things have to be," Big Macintosh said. He drew back and stabbed the center of the cylinder with Equextria's hoof.
"That's that!" Dung Beetle said as the void turned orange again, "Congrats Big Mac!"
Big Macintosh surveyed the ten other ponies surrounding him. Most of them were crying, even Flash Sentry had a distraught look on his face. Still, no one looked more devastated that Applejack and Apple Bloom.
"Everypony, the future is in your hooves now." Big Macintosh said before dropping dead.
As soon as he hit the ground, his sisters ran up to him and started crying over his body.
"Why you, why you of all people?" Applejack wept. "Why couldn't I be first?!"
"DON'T DIE BIG MAC!" Apple Bloom shrieked, tears coming down her face like a waterfall.
"This is so wrong!" Twilight Sparkle snapped at Dung Beetle.
"Yeah, get out of our world right now!" Rainbow Dash demanded.
"I thought this would get through to your thick skull by now," Dung Beetle said. "I can't leave until you've beaten all fifteen enemies. You want to save your world, right?"
"But at the cost of our lives?" Scootaloo shouted. "Look at Apple Bloom, she's a wreck!"
Apple Bloom was still crying, but her sobs were muffled by Big Macintosh's body.
"I heard my name." Applejack stood back up, but looked as pale as a ghost. She turned around and saw that her cutie mark was now two zigzags.
"NOOO!!" Apple Bloom wailed, running up and hugging her sister, "THIS CAN'T BE REAL! IT CAN'T BE!"
"I can't believe it myself, but it is real," Applejack said. "I'm up next."
"I'm the next pilot. My brain knows what's happening, but I haven't accepted it. It doesn't seem real." - Applejack
Princess Celestia stood in her throne room, letting the sun's rays warm her. She gazed at the window pane that depicted her sister, Princess Luna. Celestia had recently sent Luna to rule over the Crystal Empire due to Princess Cadance's recent passing.
Flash Sentry stepped into the throne room and bowed toward Celestia.
"Princess Celestia, a mailmare has arrived carrying a letter from Princess Twilight Sparkle," he said.
"Send her in," Celestia said.
Derpy Hooves stumbled into the throne room and collapsed, panting from exhaustion.
"I'm honored to be in your presence, your highness," Derpy said, still breathing heavily. "I brought you a letter from Ponyville."
"No need to be so formal, Derpy," Princess Celestia chuckled, taking the letter from her.
"Dear Princess Celestia," Celestia began reading aloud. "I wrote to report recent events. Big Macintosh won his battle and Ponyville suffered minimal damages. Applejack was selected as the next pilot. Dung Beetle forgot to summon you and Princess Luna for the last battle, but he promises to summon you both for Applejack's battle. I, along with everypony else contracted, promise to stand resolute against the threat of this invading menace. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle."
"We all promise to protect Equestria, even at the cost of our lives," Flash Sentry said.
"This is quite troubling," Celestia said. "If the monsters continue to appear at the rate they do, entire cities will be destroyed."
"What does that mean?" Derpy Hooves asked.
"We'll have to do everything in our power to make sure the next battle takes place in a desolate location." Princess Celestia said while writing a letter. Once she was finished, she handed the letter to Derpy Hooves.
"Take this letter to Princess Twilight Sparkle," Celestia continued. "I have to discuss the next course of action with her."
"Certainly, your highness," Derpy Hooves said with a bow. She then left the throne room and began the long trek back to Ponyville.
Later that day, back at Ponyville, Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy stood near Pinkie Pie's grave.
"I can't believe that Pinkie Pie is dead," Fluttershy said.
"I know it was only a few days ago, but it seems like so long," Twilight Sparkle said.
"I heard Mr. and Mrs. Cake have been taking it pretty hard," Rainbow Dash said. "It sucks without Pinkie Pie around."
"Missing the Element of Laughter is quite depressing," Rarity said.
"And soon y'all will be losing the Element of Honesty as well," Applejack said, looking at her striped cutie mark.
"Don't talk about dying!" Fluttershy cried, "It's too sad already!"
"No matter how much we deny it, our fates are sealed," Twilight Sparkle said, "We'll all join Pinkie Pie sooner or later."
"No way!" Rainbow Dash blurted out. "We'll find a way to survive! We can get out of our contract! Besides... I can't die until my little brother's born." Tears began streaming down her cheeks.
"All I want is for Apple Bloom and her friends to be saved," Applejack said. "They haven't lived a full life yet."
"Rainbow Dash, when is your little brother due?" Rarity asked.
"Mom says it'll be two and a half weeks, but I don't think it'll be more than five days." Rainbow Dash said, "My mom's stomach is huge right now! It's only a matter of time before he's born!"
"I'm sure he'll be proud having a big sister like you," Fluttershy said with a smile.
"Speaking of which, I wonder how Sweetie Belle is taking this all in," Twilight Sparkle said. "She's the only one that day that wasn't contracted and now she's watching her friends die in front of her."
"Actually, she's acted a lot calmer recently," Rarity explained.
"I've noticed that too," Rainbow Dash added. "When you brought out that shawl at the last battle, I expected Sweetie Belle to go nuts over it. I thought that was pretty weird."
"She's been acting weird in general," Rarity said. "Most of the time, she just sits quietly in a corner. She's also been doing more work around the house."
"I think it's because she being forced to grow up at a young age," Twilight Sparkle said. "When you're no longer around, she'll be expected to take up the family business."
"I wonder if Apple Bloom is going through that same phase now," Applejack said. "Big Mac is dead and Granny Smith can't take up the farm in the condition she's in."
"How is Granny Smith?" Fluttershy asked.
"She's been really sick lately," Applejack explained. "Apple Bloom, Big Macintosh, and I didn't want to go to the Crystal Empire the day we were contracted, but she insisted we spend time with our friends."
"Has she found out what really happened to Big Macintosh?" Fluttershy asked.
"No, the cat's still in the bag," Applejack said. "But I think it's only a matter of time before she finds out."
"Applejack, I got a letter from Princess Celestia," Twilight Sparkle said. "I think you should hear what it says."
"What was it about?" Applejack asked.
"Princess Celestia wants to minimize the damage for later battles," Twilight Sparkle explained. "Speaking of which, I've observed that all the enemies so far have appeared near where the current pilot is at. Since you're the current pilot, it's dangerous for you to be near a place where so many ponies and buildings are."
"What does that mean?" Applejack asked.
"It means we'll have to move you to a desolate area as soon as possible," Twilight Sparkle said. "I'm sorry, but it's for the good of Equestria."
"But... but... Granny Smith..." Applejack stammered.
"Applejack, Applejack!" Apple Bloom wailed, running over to the area where the other five ponies were at. "You need to come home right now!"
"What's wrong Apple Bloom?" Applejack asked, looking concerned.
"It's Granny Smith!" Apple Bloom said, "She's in even worse condition! I don't know how long she has left!"
"Sorry girls, I have to run!" Applejack said before following Apple Bloom out of the cemetery.
The two sisters trotted at breakneck pace toward Sweet Apple Acres, both with Granny Smith on their minds.
"Please hold out for me," Applejack thought.
"Even if I save the world, I can't save Granny Smith." - Applejack
"Granny Smith, please be alive..." Applejack whispered as she and Apple Bloom barged into their house.
"She should be upstairs," Apple Bloom said.
The two sisters trotted upstairs and swung open the door to Granny Smith's room. There, they found their grandma lying on her bed, her green skin now as pale as the apple she was named after.
"Thank goodness, you're alright," Applejack said, throwing herself on Granny Smith's bed.
"It's nice to see you too, my dear," Granny Smith replied with a weak smile.
"This can't be happening," Applejack sobbed. "Not now!"
"Don't leave us behind Granny Smith!" Apple Bloom cried. "Who's gonna take over the farm?"
"Even though Big Macintosh can't be here now, I'm sure he'll return soon," Granny Smith said. "He'll be back to work in no time."
Applejack looked at Granny Smith with tear filled eyes, then began sobbing into her mattress.
"Apple Bloom..." Granny Smith turned to look at her youngest granddaughter.
"Yes, Granny Smith?" Apple Bloom said, holding back tears.
"I know you'll get your cutie mark someday very soon," Granny Smith said. "Even if I'm not here to see it."
"NO!" Apple Bloom shouted. "You'll live. Applejack and I will get Nurse Redheart."
"It's too late for that dear," Granny Smith said. "I've lived a full life and now I think it's time for me to pass on."
"But I don't want you to!" Apple Bloom said before crying into Granny Smith's shoulder.
"Applejack," Granny Smith continued as Apple Bloom wept uncontrollably. "When your parents return, I know they'll be amazed at what a responsible, honest young mare you've grown to be."
"But all I've done is help out at the farm," Applejack said quietly.
"But you're the Element of Honesty," Granny Smith said, her once weak smile getting stronger. "That's a much bigger honor than anything I've achieved in my lifetime."
"GRANNY SMITH!" Applejack shrieked with tears streaming down her face. "If you die, I'll have nothing left! I don't know what to do with myself anymore!"
"But you have your younger sister, in addition to the farm," Granny Smith said. "Before I move on, I have one last thing to say to my two granddaughters."
Applejack and Apple Bloom held their grandmother's two front hooves as she spoke. "Live your lives to the fullest. There's a wealth of opportunity for the both of you, even beyond this farm. I know that someday, both of you will change the world."
Granny Smith's hooves fell limp. She closed her eyes, and fell into a deep sleep.
"I DON'T UNDERSTAND THIS!" Apple Bloom wailed, now out of tears to cry. "Why is this happening to us?! What crime did we commit to deserve this?!"
"Even if we never signed up to play this game, Granny Smith couldn't be saved," Applejack said, shedding her final two tears. "Even if I save the world, I can't save Granny Smith. I've denied that fact for ages now, but now that reality's struck, there's no use hiding behind a false sense of hope."
"Applejack..." Apple Bloom said, slumping down to the ground. "What do we do now?"
"I don't know what to say and I don't know what to do," Applejack replied, looking down at the floor. "I just have to wait for my time."
"I just want to spend every second that you have left by your side," Apple Bloom said, crawling over to Applejack.
"Of course Apple Bloom," Applejack said, holding her sister close.
A split second later, the two sisters disappeared in a flash of light.
Both of them reappeared in the cockpit along with Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and their other contracted friends.
"Look at that, it's the mare of the hour!" Dung Beetle said jovially.
"You couldn't wait a bit longer?!" Apple Bloom cried.
"Hey, I don't decide when these battles take place!" Dung Beetle retorted. "Anyways, let's see where your fight will take place."
The orange void disappeared and revealed a vast, green, empty plain.
"Where are we?" Fluttershy asked.
"We're not in Ponyville, that's for sure," Twilight Sparkle said. "I guess these battles don't always take place at the current pilot's location."
"I think it's good that we're fighting in such a barren place," Applejack said. "It means I don't have to hold back."
"Now I think your enemy is appearing in front of you right now," Dung Beetle said as the opponent materialized in front of them.
It appeared to be a giant mushroom with legs. One half of the cap was blue and the other half was yellow, with a purple panel with nine lights dead center. It had three appendages sticking out of its stalk, and one of them held a huge sword.
"That's an odd looking robot," Princess Luna said. "I wonder what its strengths will be."
"I thing we're going to find out," Princess Celestia said.
The mushroom split evenly down the middle, creating two half mushrooms each holding a sword. Connecting the two was a purple fabric with a white, circular object in the center.
"It just split in two!" Rarity cried.
"Are there two of them, or is it just a trick?" Flash Sentry wondered.
"Equextria is only supposed to face one opponent at a time, if that helps," Dung Beetle said.
"Which means there should only be one vital point," Scootaloo said.
"Where is Equextria's vital point anyway?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"Try finding that out for yourself," Dung Beetle said.
"Applejack, do you think that white thing connecting the two could be the vital point?" Apple Bloom asked.
"Alright then, I'll try cutting it down." Applejack replied.
"That means this should be an easy win!" Rainbow Dash said.
"Don't get your hopes up," Twilight Sparkle said.
Equextria walked over to the enemy and stomped on the white sphere, breaking the bond between the two mushrooms.
"Did you get it?" Princess Celestia asked.
The two mushrooms began walking away from each other.
"They're both still alive, but how?" Flash Sentry asked.
"I get it!" Dung Beetle said. "It was just a decoy!"
"Attention Applejack!" Luna commanded. "The enemy plans to flank you from both sides!"
"What are you going to do?" Apple Bloom said.
"I don't know!" Applejack wailed back. "Is there anything I can do?"
"Granny Smith was right about one thing. We will change the world." - Applejack.
Applejack's enemy was split into two, and now both sides were about to attack her.
What are you going to do?" Apple Bloom said.
"I don't know!" Applejack wailed back. "Is there anything I can do?"
"Hey Dung!" Rainbow Dash called out. "Is this a fair fight?"
"It's fair enough so that you can defeat it," Dung Beetle replied.
"Alright then, looks like I have to give it my best shot," Applejack said. "Rarity, do you have that battle shawl with you?"
"Yes I do," Rarity said, slinging the shawl over Applejack's shoulders, "Best of luck."
Meanwhile, both mushrooms prepared their swords and charged towards Equextria.
"I can only take out one of them," Applejack said. "But which one has the vital point?"
"You better decide soon!" Rainbow Dash said.
"But if Applejack attacks the wrong one, we're done for!" Flash Sentry said.
Suddenly, the blue capped mushroom held its sword to its body to protect itself.
"What's it doing?" Fluttershy asked.
"I think it's trying to defend itself from any attacks," Twilight Sparkle said.
"If it's trying to defend itself, then that one must have the vital point," Rarity said.
"But it could be a trap!" Twilight Sparkle said.
"Then I best hold my ground," Applejack said, making Equextria assume a defensive position.
"Even if you go on the full defensive, there's no way you can prevent one of the mushrooms from attacking you," Scootaloo said, "We need to figure out which one to attack!"
"And we're screwed if we get it wrong!" Rainbow Dash said.
"Then I guess I'll have to make a gamble," Applejack said.
"You mean you're going to try to outwit a robot?" Princess Celestia asked.
"What other choice do I have?" Applejack answered. "Now let's see how they respond."
While Applejack focused on the blue mushroom, the yellow mushroom came up from behind and decapitated Equextria, sending its head sailing into the distance.
"Our head flew off!" Rainbow Dash cried.
"Are we alright?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"Yeah, that wasn't where our vital point is," Applejack said. She then faced the yellow mushroom.
"Ya little varmint!" Applejack yelled. "If you won't come straight at us, then you must have the vital point!"
Equextria impaled the yellow capped mushroom with its hoof. Both of the robots went limp and fell to the ground, with the lights on the top of their caps disappearing. Princess Celestia let out a sigh of relief.
"Well done Applejack," Princess Luna said as the orange void around them reappeared, "Your bravery will be remembered throughout Equestria."
"I wish the best of luck to the rest of y'all," Applejack replied as her cutie mark changed back to normal. "Granny Smith was right about one thing. We will change the world."
"Applejack!" Apple Bloom cried out. "Don't go! Don't leave me alone!"
"You're not alone, Apple Bloom," Applejack said, hugging her sister. "You have your friends and the rest of your family. They'll keep you safe."
"But... but..." Apple Bloom stammered.
"Since I've won my battle, there's something I've been wondering about." Applejack said to the group.
"What is it?" Twilight Sparkle asked.
"Remember back when Cadance's battle was going on?" Applejack continued. "She lured her enemy toward a mountain and trapped him when she got the chance."
"I liked that battle!" Derpy Hooves said with a smile.
"I think the same thing happened to me," Applejack said. "The enemy fell for my trickery, which probably means they're more than just a robot. They must have a heart, just like us."
"What do you mean?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Sorry everyone, looks like my time is up," Applejack said with a smile. "Thanks for everythin'."
Almost immediately after Applejack's lifeless body hit the ground, Apple Bloom came up and began sobbing over it.
"No... no... no!" Apple Bloom wept. "You were the only family I had left!"
Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle went up and hugged their devastated friend.
"What about Granny Smith, dear?" Rarity asked.
"We didn't get the chance to tell you about it during this battle, but she passed away today," Apple Bloom said. "Now with everyone gone but me, I'm not sure what will happen to our farm now."
"I'll get in contact with the Apple Family," Twilight Sparkle said. "I'm sure they'll send down some close relatives to take care of you for the time being."
"And if they can't, you can stay at my house," Fluttershy said, hugging Apple Bloom.
"We'll see to it that your remaining days are filled with comfort, Apple Bloom." Princess Celestia said.
"It's nice that everyone is trying to help me and all, but I don't want to be a burden for anyone." Apple Bloom said.
"You don't mean..." Rainbow Dash gasped.
"Dung Beetle, select me next," Apple Bloom demanded with a look of resolve.
"Sorry, but no can do," Dung Beetle said. "The pilot order is chosen at random."
"Speaking of which, we should find out who the next pilot is any minute now," Flash Sentry said.
"I wonder who it will it be," Twilight Sparkle said.
"Well then," Scootaloo said, sadly stepping forward, "I guess I finally got my cutie mark."
"When I became a princess of Equestria, I thought I could solve any problem that came my way. Ever since I moved to Ponyville, I laughed, I cried, I got angry, I thought that I already knew most of what there was to my world. However, I was protected by the notion that friendship could solve anything. I learned that nothing could be further from the truth when my friends and I gathered together. And then, we met it." - Twilight Sparkle
All was well in the Crystal Empire. Princess Cadance had invited Twilight Sparkle and her friends for a day of sunshine and fun at the local park. The sun shone down warmly on the fourteen ponies and one dragon, and also made the lake gleam brightly. The gentle wind rustled the trees and bushes that were inhabited by singing bluebirds. It seemed like nothing could go wrong that day.
"Wow, it's so beautiful out!" Twilight Sparkle said.
"Well, a beautiful day suits a beautiful princess," Flash Sentry said.
"Come on Flash," Twilight Sparkle said, blushing. "Just because we've started dating doesn't mean we have to get gushy right away!"
"But I mean it!" Flash Sentry said, nodding.
A short distance away, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy strolled along the sidewalk together.
"The animals here are friendlier than the ones in Canterlot," Fluttershy said.
"And the people here are happier too!" Pinkie Pie cheered. "Huge improvement from those stuffed shirts at the Gala!"
"I might bring Angel Bunny here some day," Fluttershy said. "He might like the other bunnies here."
As if on cue, Derpy Hooves, Twilight's newest friend, flew in next to Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy. She was carrying two gray bunnies.
"Look at these bunnies!" Derpy said. "They're so fluffy!"
"I think you should put them back where you found them," Fluttershy said.
"Daw... alright." Derpy flew away with the two bunnies.
Meanwhile, Spike and Big Macintosh were chatting by a tree.
"So, you harvest apples by kicking trees?" Spike asked.
"Eeyup," Big Macintosh replied.
"Don't you ever get tired of that?" Spike asked.
Big Macintosh answered, "Nope."
Shining Armor and Princess Cadance cuddled together behind a bush.
"Just think about it, Cadance," Shining Armor said. "We're going to be parents soon!"
"Not so loud!" Cadance whispered, "I don't want everyone else to know until it's time!"
"Well, they're gonna find out eventually," Shining Armor said.
"Yeah, but our foal won't be born for another seven or eight months," Cadance said. "I just want to keep my pregnancy a secret for now."
"Anyways," Shining Armor continued. "What do you want to name it?"
"If it's a boy, I would say something along the lines of Gleaming Sword," Cadance said. "However, if it's a girl, I really want to name it Skyla."
"Skyla..." Shining Armor mused. "That's a really beautiful name."
Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, Apple Jack, and Rainbow Dash were playing ball. Rarity rested by a nearby tree.
"Pass it over here, sis!" Apple Bloom said.
"Alright, here it comes!" Applejack replied, kicking the ball to her sister.
Apple Bloom bounced the ball on her head a few times before passing it to Scootaloo. Scootaloo used her hoof to spike the ball over to Rainbow Dash, who caught it with her wing.
"Heads up, Sweetie Belle!" Rainbow Dash cried. She threw the ball to an eager Sweetie Belle.
"I've got it! I've got it!" Sweetie Belle hopped to catch the ball. She landed in a mud puddle, which made mud go flying everywhere. A high pitched scream pierced the air. The five playing ponies turned to see where it came from.
"SWEETIE BELLE!" Rarity shrieked, all covered in mud.
"Whoops..." Sweetie Belle said quietly.
Applejack and Apple Bloom chucked. Scootaloo struggled to hold back laughter, but Rainbow Dash didn't even try to hide her amusement. She rolled on the ground, guffawing wildly.
"Sorry sis..." Sweetie Belle said meekly. Rarity did not respond; she just stormed off in a huff.
"We know you didn't mean it," Scootaloo said, putting a hoof around Sweetie Belle.
The fifteen friends gathered together in the center of the park.
"Do you think we should head back?" Cadance asked.
"It is getting late," Fluttershy added.
"But it barely seems we had any time to play," Rainbow Dash said.
"Yeah, I don't want to head back either," Spike replied.
"I have an idea," Flash Sentry spoke up. "There's a cave over there, so how about we do some exploring."
"Okay, how does that sound to everypony?" Twilight Sparkle asked.
"I'm down with that," Scootaloo answered.
"As long as we don't stay there too long, I think we should be fine," Cadance added. "Shining, could you lead the way?"
"Sure thing, hon," Shining Armor said with a smile.
Shining Armor and Flash Sentry led the group down to the cave at the other end of the park. It was a simple enough place, a brown rock structure with a small opening wasn't too out of the ordinary. The fifteen friends went into the dark cave, and the unicorns used their horns to light up the area. They proceeded down the narrow pathway in a single file line.
"Who's stepping on my tail?" Rarity asked.
"Sorry 'bout that," Derpy said.
The damp ground made a squishing noise every time somepony stepped on it. Since there were fifty-six hooves and two dragon feet stepping on the ground, the sounds of squishing filled the air.
"I think we should turn back," Fluttershy said. "This place is scary!"
"Come on, where's your sense of adventure?" Rainbow Dash said.
"A light," Applejack said, looking ahead.
"I think there's someone else here!" Pinkie Pie said, hopping up and down.
"I say we should check it out!" Applebloom said.
The fifteen friends walked toward the light and when they reached it, they found a den. It was roughly twenty feet in diameter and had several glowing screens.
"What are those things?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"I think they're called monitors," Twilight answered. "Strange, I thought they only existed in storybooks."
Everyone heard hoof steps coming from another opening in the cave.
"Who do you think that is?" Shining Armor asked.
"Not sure, but I think we'll find out," Twilight whispered.
A shadow of a pony formed near the doorway...
"I've always been a silent pony. However, I have so many things to say now that I'll never have time to say them all." - Big Macintosh
That night, the Apple Family prepared to go to sleep. Big Macintosh, Applejack, and Apple Bloom stood outside their rooms, while Granny Smith was already asleep.
"Looks like you'll live another day," Applejack said.
"Eeyup," Big Macintosh answered.
"I say we spend all of tomorrow together as well!" Apple Bloom said.
"Of course we will," Applejack said with a smile. She looked over at Big Macintosh and saw he was staring out the window. A giant, cylindrical creature began to form near their orchard.
"No..." Big Macintosh said in despair. "Not now..."
The three of them approached the window.
"Big Mac!" Apple Bloom sobbed, hugging her older brother.
"Don't worry about me," Big Macintosh said, "We should get Granny Smith to safety!"
"I'll take care of that," Applejack said, "You just get in Equextria and the defeat the enemy."
"Let me go with Big Mac!" Apple Bloom pleaded.
"Fine," Applejack said frantically. "Just go, I'll catch up!"
Apple Bloom followed Big Macintosh out of their house and into the orchard. They were now standing in front of their opponent as Equextria began to materialize.
"Alright," Big Macintosh shouted. "I'm ready!"
Apple Bloom and Big Macintosh disappeared from the orchard in a flash of light. Both of them reappeared in the cockpit, where everypony else but Applejack was waiting for them.
"Welcome to the cockpit, Big Macintosh!" Dung Beetle said jovially. "Are you ready for your next battle?"
"I never got to say goodbye..." Big Macintosh said quietly.
"To whom?" Twilight Sparkle asked.
"Granny Smith," Big Macintosh said, "Applejack's evacuating her right now."
Applejack appeared in the cockpit. "Alright, I got Granny Smith with another group of evacuees," she said. "What's happening right now?"
"Equextria's materializing right now," Dung Beetle said, "Big Macintosh should be able to see his opponent momentarily."
"Looks like I won't be seeing my parents again either," Big Macintosh said, two tears rolling down his eyes.
"Big Mac..." Fluttershy whispered.
"That's terrible," Sweetie Belle said.
Applejack and Apple Bloom both hugged their crying brother.
"Before our battle starts, I have something I would like to show everypony," Rarity said, pulling out what looked like a red and gold cape with a pony logo on it. "It's a Battle Shawl. It's something I've been working on for a little while. I figured that the current pilot can wear it whenever his or her battle occurs."
"It's shiny!" Derpy Hooves said.
"It looks really nice," Flash Sentry said.
"I'm not wearing it!" Scootaloo growled.
Everyone turned to look at her.
"What in Equestria is everyone so excited about?" Scootaloo continued. "We're going to die in that shawl! Does everyone want to die that badly?"
"You honestly think..." Big Macintosh snarled, escalating to a roar, "DO YOU THINK I WANT TO DIE?!! I DON'T WANT TO DIE EITHER! I DON'T WANT TO DIE!! I DON'T WANT TO DIE!! HOW COULD I POSSIBLY WANT TO DIE?!"
Everyone drew back in shock at Big Macintosh's sudden outburst.
"But to die... is my destiny," Big Macintosh continued. "It's what my cutie mark is telling me." He looked at his flank covered with two black zigzags. "Well then, let's begin."
"Mind if I help you put the shawl on?" Rarity asked him.
"I'll help too," Fluttershy said.
Rarity and Fluttershy pulled the shawl over Big Macintosh's shoulders.
"Thanks, you two," Big Macintosh said.
The orange void disappeared around them and revealed the outside world, where Big Macintosh's cylindrical opponent stood motionless in an upright position.
"I'm not going to move for at least the next twenty minutes," Big Macintosh, "I want to wait until everypony has evacuated Ponyville."
"Are you sure you'll be able to do that?" Twilight Sparkle asked.
"Of course he will, our opponent doesn't look so tough!" Rainbow Dash said. "It's just a cylinder, this'll be easy!"
Suddenly, the orange cylinder grew feet and tipped itself over to one side, crushing several apple trees with its impact.
"What's it doing?" Flash Sentry asked.
The cylinder began rolling towards Equextria, crushing several apple trees in its path.
"So that's what it does," Rarity said.
"It's destroying the orchard!" Applejack cried.
"Big Mac, do something!" Apple Bloom shouted.
"I'll stop it," Big Macintosh said. "EQUEXTRIA, TAKE OFF!"
As the cylindrical robot approached Equextria, Big Macintosh stopped it in its tracks using Equextria's front right hoof.
"It stopped moving!" Scootaloo said.
"Great job, Big Mac!" Applejack added.
However, the enemy robot simply moved back a couple hundred feet, and turned left.
"Oh no, it got away!" Apple Bloom said.
"It looks like it's heading towards the center of town!" Twilight Sparkle said.
"How cruel can it be?" Fluttershy whimpered.
"Big Mac, hurry up!" Rainbow Dash cried.
Big Macintosh followed the enemy robot to the center of Ponyville, making sure to stay by its side so he could corner it.
At the center of town, Mayor Mare was guiding a group of ponies out of Ponyville. Nearly everypony screamed when they saw the robot.
"Calm down everypony!" Mayor Mare demanded, getting between the robot and the group of ponies. "We'll just need to move faster!"
"BIG MAC, STOP THAT ROBOT!" Twilight Sparkle shrieked. "YOU DON'T HAVE MUCH TIME!"
Big Macintosh advanced at a full trot to the center of Ponyville. As the enemy robot advanced toward the group of terrified ponies, Big Macintosh saw that Granny Smith was among them.
"GRANNY SMITH!" Big Macintosh screamed.
