MLP FIM: Season 4 Rise of the A.M. (a what if story)

Chapter 16: United We Stand, Divided We Fall

“At last!” exclaimed a Sapphire guard. “We finally made it!”

The Sapphire Kingdom’s guards had reached their destination. In the distance they saw The Crystal Empire. Its crystalized castle reflected shun bright in the day light.

“About time too,” replied another. “I couldn’t take another day of traveling.”

“We’re not out of the woods yet,” said Crimson. “We need to warn the empire,”

“We shouldn’t have left,” said Mark. “We left everypony behind in the hands of that monster.”

“That monster, is being controlled by the very thing he stole,” said King Sullivan,

Mark frowned. Did Sullivan actually expect his guards to believe that? They knew he was an understanding and trusting king, but where did that lead him too? Nothing but betrayal and the lose of his kingdom. The Sapphire guards and their king trekked toward The Crystal Empire exhausted, but determined to warn their neighboring kingdoms of another attack in the making. A Crystal guard spotted the oncoming herd of ponies headed for them. He ran inside the castle to alert Princess Cadence. She met the winded herd outside the palace and invited them in.

“King Sullivan, what in Equestria’s name happened?” she questioned him.

“There has been an attack,” said Sullivan drinking his water handed to him. “We escaped, but my Kingdom has fallen in the hands of A.M. They have at long last, made their move. I fear that they won’t stop there…”

“You think they might attack the empire next?” asked Princess Cadence already scared of the answer.

“Yes,” said Sullivan. “However, what concerns me is that I don’t think they’ll do it themselves.”

“Princess Cadence!” shouted a guard galloping into the throne room.

Sweat ran down his face as he shot a worried look from one leader to the next.

“We’ve spotted multiple unidentified swarms headed this way!”

King Sullivan’s royal guard groaned at this and they knew what was coming. With little to no time to rest they suited up and awaited orders. Outside, Crystal ponies stared up at the sky listening for the sound of flapping wings.

“Dear Celestia…” said a Crystal guard looking at the horizon.

A large black cloud was on a course to The Crystal Empire. Princess Cadence stepped outside on the balcony and shot a protective shield that spread around the empire.

“There’s no way we can go up against those numbers!” said a frightened a guard.

“Indeed,” said Sullivan joining Cadence.

“King Sullivan, you can’t expect me to abandon these ponies!” said Cadence.

“I’m not asking you too abandon them,” said Sullivan calmly. “I would suggest getting everypony out of here while you can. That Protective shield won’t last long if they’re strong enough to penetrate it!”

“But the A.M…”

“Trust me, It’s not the A.M. And unlike them, they won’t spare anypony even if they’ve been ordered too.”

As the black cloud came closer they saw the many wings of an insect army. The outline the swarm’s queen came into view. The Changelings have returned!

“Your Highness!” shouted the Captain of the Crystal guards.

“Get the Crystal Ponies to the train station!” ordered Princess Cadence.

“What?! We’re not going to fight!?”

“If we don’t act quickly we won’t have the chance to later!” Cadence barked.

The Captain of her Crystal guard bowed to her and rounded up his troops and in pairs they went through the empire, evacuating ponies from their homes. Sullivan’s royal guard helped out and together they guided the escaping Crystal ponies out of the protective barrier and into the open field. The Swarm swooped above them their wings like roaring thunder as they approached the fleeing herd. For a moment they thought that they hadn’t spotted them, but a pair of changelings broke apart form their hive and went after the panicking ponies. The train tracks were up ahead; the unicorn guards turned and shot spells up at the approaching changeling who stayed on course. The train conductor was checking his watch when he saw the massive herd gallop toward him raising an eyebrow he was about to ask for tickets when the terrified screams met his ears. Wasting no time he dashed inside the safety of the giant steamed transportation. The changelings dove down and tripped up several guards who rolled on the ground before coming to dead stop. The terrified Crystal ponies approached the train and in seconds filled the open cars. The Conductor hurried to the engine room and began departure.

“Wait!” shouted a guard frantically. “Don’t leave us!”

“Stow it rookie!” roared the Crystal Guard’s captain. “You don’t see our Sapphire brethren complaining do you?! Just catch up to the train and jump on!”

The train began to pick up speed making it difficult for the guards to catch up to it on foot. The Pegasus members spread their wings and picked up the closest guard next to them; carrying them to the top of the train. They dropped their passengers who landed and provided cover fire for the rest of their fleet. Another pair of guards were taken by the changelings and taken back to the empire for prisoners or worse food for the hive. Almost all the guards that were left had been take by their Pegasus comrades and brought to the top of the train. Now only the two Captains remained. They ordered their teams to stay where they were. Crimson Shield spread her wings and lifted off the ground taking the Crystal captain with her. She approached the train flying as fast as her wings could take her. Before she was about to drop her passenger she felt something crash into her back making her loose altitude at an alarming rate. She released the Crystal Captain who was caught by a levitation spell and brought to safety. Crimson Shield was locked in aerial combat with several changelings. She avoided being bit by one who swooped in from her side only to be hit from behind again. She wrestled another hungry parasite off her when she felt the wind being knocked out her. She had been tackled and became trapped in a dive.

The guards watched as more changelings advanced on them. They were ready to make one last stand when a powerful beam of light came from The Crystal Empire. The powerful wave of magic hit the oncoming swarm and sent them hurling out of control.

“My King!” gasped Mark looking at the approaching unicorn in distance.

He was running in a way his guard had never seen him run before. To him Catching up with the train not only seemed possible, but easy. In no time he passed by Princess Cadence who caught both Crimson Shield and her attacker. Her horn glowed as the changeling looked up at her and was blasted off by a burst of magic. King Sullivan was now galloping on the tracks. Bending his legs he jumped and was lifted twenty feet in the air before he landed behind the bewildered guards with ease. Princess Cadence also landed with grace as she gently placed Crimson Shield down.

“Thank you your Highness.” She wheezed.

“My pleasure,” said Cadence.

As the train drew further away from The Crystal Empire they watched as the Protective barrier surrounding it broke and the black swarm dove down and began to take over. The second Kingdom had fallen, this time they had to reach Ponyville and Canterlot before it was too late.

Ponyville was given a huge surprise when the Friendship Express backed into the station. The steam cleared off as the guards from The Crystal Empire and Sapphire Kingdom became visible on the top of the carts. The Crystal ponies exited the train, all looking relieved that they have made it. The ponies that had stopped what they were doing began to talk to one another in curiosity as to why the Crystal ponies were in Ponyville. King Sullivan and Princess Cadence leaped off the train and were immediately greeted with bows from all around. They by passed the Ponyville citizens and made their way to find the two ponies they had to see. Their guards stayed behind to collect themselves.

“I think Twilight should be in the Ponyville Library,” said Cadence.

“The quicker we find her the better,” said Sullivan.

They looked around until they had to ask someone where the library was. When they arrived to the tree house they knocked on the door.

“It’s open!” called a voice from the inside.

Opening the front door, the two walked inside and heard something shatter. Trixie was in the middle of another potion when the two rulers walked in. her vile that she was levitating dropped as her mouth opened in surprise. She gasped noticing how underdressed she was and with a poof of purple smoke as cover, she galloped up stairs.

“Twilight?” called Princess Cadence. “Twilight, are you around?”

“She’s not here,” said Trixie coming back down stairs. Her purple cape swayed as each step was taken. “What Can the Great Trixie help you with your highness?” she questioned.

“You can tell us where we can find her,” said Candence.

“Oh, of course,” said Trixie looking a bit disappointed.

“If this was a different time I assure you we would be asking differently,” said Sullivan noting the changed Library. “You have to understand that it is of great importance that we find her.”

“She’s with Arthur,” said Trixie. “Why do you…” but before she finish the two rulers left.

Arthur and Twilight were together having a conversation at Joe’s Donuts. Clearly Arthur was treating her in an attempt to make up for his screw up at the ball when he spotted the king and princess.

“Your majesty!” he shot up from his seat knocking over his drink.

“Princess Cadence!” Twilight exclaimed in the same surprised manner. “What are you two doing her?”

“Twilight we have a problem!” said Cadence seriously.

“Problem, what sort of problem?” asked Twilight.

“Does it have to do with the A.M.?” asked Arthur

Both Cadence and Sullivan nodded. They told them that they had to get to Canterlot immediately and both Twilight and Arthur accompanied them the rest of the way. The Guards had migrated inside the train and bowed to Twilight as she entered with Arthur and the returning king and princess.

“Mark, what’s going on? Why are the Crystal ponies in Ponyville?” enquired Arthur when he found his brother.

“That I’m afraid, is a matter between the princesses, king and royal guards,” said Mark seriously.

“Mark!” said Arthur annoyed. “As representative to the Sapphire Kingdome, I think I have as much right as anypony to be informed!”

“I’m sorry Arthur,” said Mark in a final tone.

When they arrived, they all galloped off to the castle at break neck speed. Arthur and Twilight had to double time it in order to keep up and once they arrived Shining Armor met them with Dark Heart following close behind.

“Cadence, Twilight!” he exclaimed seeing them. “What’s going on? Princess Celestia seemed worried about something.”

“Then she already suspects it,” noted Sullivan. “Shining Armor we need to speak with her and Luna. In fact all the captains need to come as well especially you Dark Heart… It’s time!”

Shining Armor and Dark Heart exchanged looks of understanding and fear and allowed the three rulers inside the castle. They and the rest of the captain of the guard followed leaving an even more curious Arthur outside with the rest of the Guards. Princess Celestia and Luna were already waiting in the throne room. From the looks they gave Sullivan and the rest of the ponies accompanying him, they had already known or suspected something wasn’t right.

“King Sullivan,” said Princess Celestia. “Has it happened?”

“I’m afraid so,” said Sullivan sadly.

Celestia ordered the guards standing by the door to leave them. They obeyed closing the doors behind them. The Captain of the guards stated their business.

“My Princesses, our kingdoms have been taken. We ask you now to aid us in the attempt to take them back from enemy control. The A.M. has allied themselves with the Changelings. The hive Controls The Crystal Empire while the A.M. has the Sapphire Kingdom. We fear that it’s only a matter of time before they spread their conquest here.”

“Have they got any prisoners?” asked Princess Celestia.

“The citizens of the Sapphire Kingdom are at the mercy of the A.M.” said Crimson Shield fighting back the pain she felt as the words left her mouth. “We reached The Crystal Empire in time to evacuate everypony, but we had just nearly ran out of time there.”

“Only a handful of my guards were taken captive,” said the Crystal captain. “I thank these brave ponies for assisting us,” he added nodding his gratitude at Crimson Shield. “We now ask that you do the same in helping us take back what we have lost.”

Princess Celstia, Luna and Twilight exchanged looks of consideration. The Captains awaited their response. It felt like an eternity of waiting before Luna spoke up.

“What did you have in mind? Something tells us that going in all at once would be unwise.”

“That is true,” said Sullivan. “That is why I think that splitting up into teams would benefit us more.”

“What did you have in mind?” asked Celestia. “If we do plan on meeting this war, we need to have our options.”

“I propose that you and I lead my troops along with a small unit of your own to the Sapphire Kingdome while Cadence and Luna lead their forces to The Crystal Empire.”

“What about Twilight?” said Celestia.

“She will stay here with Arthur and protect everypony here incase the worse happens,” said Sullivan.

“Hold on!” said Twilight.

Celestia looked at her student.

“Sorry your majesty, but if your going into battle I want in too!”

“You are too young,” said Sullivan, “No, it would be best if you and Arthur hold up here.”

“And do nothing while you and the rest go off and fight? Not a chance!”

“Twilight…” said Shining Armor.

“I know Shining!” said Twilight knowing what her brother was trying to express.

She knew that he was with Sullivan’s plan in leaving her behind, but she wouldn’t sit back allow her only brother and sister in law set off and probably never return. To him she was still a filly trying to find her way, but she had to prove to him that she was no longer the same little sister he once knew. If there was a time to show that she was capable of the role as a princess, this was it! She relaxed and said with a confident air to her voice.

“Your majesty, I offer you my full support in this time of need. I will follow you into battle and help you take back your land.”

King Sullivan surveyed her. His eyes saw himself preforming the king’s oaf to the citizens all those years ago. He looked at Celestia for support, but she had already accepted her student as an equal and made no further argument.

“So young to be fighting so many,” he sighed. “Very well, you may accompany me and Celestia.”

“King Sullivan…” exclaimed Crimson Shield.

“You heard the princess Crimson. Her mind is made up,” said Sullivan.

Crimson and Shining Armor looked worried. Even Luna was showing her concern, but she like them knew that there was no way in talking Twilight out of it.

“We still need more troops if we are going to do this,” said Shining Armor. “Our own forces won’t be enough,”

“I agree,” said Sullivan. “I think, and it pains me to say this, but I think we should allow those who are of age and are willing to fight be given the chance to do so.”

“Now, Sullivan…” Began Crimson Shield. “Letting the Princess join is one thing, but to allow the innocent is pushing it!”

“I do not want them too believe me,” said Sullivan. “But if they are willing to help us then we need all the support we can find.”

Crimson Shield opened her mouth to retort, but she knew her king was right. If they were to come out of this victorious then they would need more ponies to join. When no one had anything else to say the meeting was drawn to a close and the captains rushed off to round up their troops for the upcoming battle. Twilight was beside herself. Now that she had stood her ground, the realization of her going to war came over her. She hoped she knew what she was doing and galloped off to tell her friends what was happening.

“Your doing what?!” exclaimed Rainbow Dash. When she and Arthur had found her friends.

“I can’t believe this,” said Fluttershy.

“I know,” said Twilight, “But my mind is made up.”

“There’s no way I will let you go and leave us here!” said Rainbow Dash.

“Your not the only one,” said Arthur.

“Hold on!” Twilight said. “Just because I’m going into battle doesn’t mean you have too as well!”

She had hoped that her saying this would have changed her friend’s minds about joining, but she was mistaken.

“And why shouldn’t we?” asked Apple Jack. “We want to help you sugar cube!”

“But…” said Twilight trying to find a good argument.

“But nothing,” said Arthur. “Rather you like or not your highness, we are with you in this!”

Twilight could understand Arthur’s determination to join. He like her had a family member amongst the guards, but her own friends were different. She couldn’t let them risk their lives like her. They weren’t as involved as her and Arthur.

“I heard that they are excepting volunteers for the cause,” said Pinkie Pie. “We should head over and in list!”

“No!” shouted Twilight fighting back her tears.

“Twilight,” said Rarity. “We won’t let you do this alone. We are your friends.”

“And that’s why you need to stay here…” Twilight said her voice cracking. “I don’t want any of you to get yourselves hurt for me.”

A hoof was placed on her shoulder. She saw that Arthur had understood, but he knew all too well that Twilight’s friends wouldn’t allow her to face the dangers alone. They all approached her and huddled together.

“We will come back from this Twilight,” said Fluttershy. “We are the elements of harmony after all.”

All was quiet outside of Twilight’s castle all awaiting for the order to take numbers of brave soldiers into battle. The sky was filled with Pegasi. Some were of royal guards from the Sapphire Kingdom and The Crystal Empire while others were volunteers willing lend a helping hoof to fight for the freedom of captured kingdoms.

“Are you sure you want to do this?” asked Twilight tightening her battle armor.

“Yes,” said Dark Heart. “You have to promise that you will leave my father to me. The Alicorn Amulet is the source of his new power. While I won’t be able to take it for him, I can try and help him see reason to take it off himself.”

“And if that doesn’t work?” asked Twilight looking scared. “Are you prepared to do what is necessary to prevent anymore suffering?”

Dark Heart didn’t respond. He only used his magic to put on his helmet and stepped out onto the balcony. Arthur eyed him with uncertainty and glanced over at Twilight who was beside herself.

“They are waiting,” said Arthur.

“I don’t know if I can do this,” said Twilight. “Everypony out there is stepping up ready to fight for three kingdoms. Even my friends… How could I ever have let them join the cause?”

“I understand Princess, but I think you know that they wouldn’t have it any other way. King Sullivan told me once that being a ruler means that sometimes you must make decisions. Some may be harder than others, but they have to be made. Princess Cadence, Luna and Celestia believe in you and are ready to stand by your side in battle. The same goes for your brother. And… The same goes for me princess.”

Twilight looked up at Arthur. She knew that he was right. Out there were ponies ready to fight for what was right. She had to be the one to give the order to start the march. Together she and Arthur went onto the balcony greeted by a sea of readied mares and stallions. Twilight took a deep breath bracing herself for what was to come.

“I know you are all ready to step into action, but if I can give one word of advise it would be this... It is true that our enemy is those without marks, but I want you all to know the reason for why we are marching into battle. We are going to fight not just to take back our fallen kingdoms, but we are also doing this to rewrite history. Those unmarked ponies are in this situation because of our past mistakes! They were treated horribly and now we are all suffering because of it! Everypony, I ask you that once this battle is over we try our best to make Equestria a better place! A place with out fear of being judged for having no marks!”

A murmur of talk grew throughout the crowd.

“We have changed I know it! But Night Blade and the queen must be stopped! Canterlot can’t do this alone, so… who’s with us? Let’s put our differences aside and fight for the freedom of not just marked ponies, but for un marked as well. Together I know we can do this! United we will stand!”

There was absolute silence, but then the sound of hoof stomps grew and soon the large herd were stomping their hooves while the Pegasi in the sky started to chant. Twilight knew that she had done it. She felt Celestia’s wing on her shoulder and looked up at the proud face. The army below them started to march toward the train station as a whistle was heard.

“Your Majesties wait!” cried a pony from below. Steel Brush had staid behind and was looking up at them.

“Who are you?” asked Twilight.

“My name is Steel Brush and I need to tell you something!”

“It will have to wait Steel Brush!”

“Please, you have to hear me out! I know What the Anti Marks plan!”

“Come on up Steel Brush!” said Celestia.

They saw that Steel Brush was frightened, but he wasn’t alone. His family followed behind him as he entered the castle. They met the Princesses and their two protectors in the main hall. Steel Brush looked into their eyes and knew that there was no turning back now and he began to speak. “The Anti Marks are not just interested in ruling over the Sapphire Kingdome.”

“We know,” said Celestia. “Please continue.”

“They want to rule over the three kingdoms! And, they will make Equestria a better place for the blank flanks by taking away our marks and cutie marks!”

“How do you know this?” questioned Luna.

“Because I…” Steel Brush paused.

He was scared of what might happen to him if he did tell them what he was and he stared back at his family and saw his sister looking at him, edging him to go on.

“I was a member of the Anti Marks. I was supposed to be the one who took Swift Blaze and Twilight back to our leader,”

He said it felling ashamed of himself. “They had a meeting where I grew up and promised me and other ponies that if we joined their cause, we along with our families would be spared.”

The Princesses and their protectors stared at the brave pony who came forth to tell the this. Steel Brush had expected them to shout at him.to punish him in some way, but they stared at him with pity.

“Thank you for telling us this Steel Brush,” said Celestia softly. “I think for your own safety you should stay behind.”

“Thank you Princess,” said Steel Brush bowing his head.

His family escorted him out of the castle where they headed back home feeling relieved and proud.

“How, could they sister?” asked Luna. “How could the Anti Marks remove our cutie marks?”

“I think,” began Celestia sadly. “They have found a way to do just that with a spell. But I thought it was supposed to be extremely difficult to master.”

“Maybe alone,” said Twilight. “But with the Alicorn Amulet, it wouldn’t be.”

“I’m afraid you are right Twilight,” said Celestia.

When the five leaders joined the massive herd they called over the royal guard captains to go over a battle plan.

“Shining Armor, you and Princess Cadence will lead a herd to The Crystal Empire While the rest of us will head toward the Sapphire Kingdom.” began Celestia.

Shining Armor saluted in response.

“Once you’ve taken back The Crystal Empire come to us. I have a feeling that the Sapphire Kingdom won’t be taken back so easily.”

“You have my word Princess,” said Shining Armor.

He looked at his little sister who reassured him that she would be all right and to think about nothing else except for taking back The Crystal Empire. He hugged his sister and with gaining complete control over his herd he gave the order to make a course to the empire.

“Are you sure you know what you’re doing?” asked Arthur to Dark Heart as he levitated the strings on his own armor and tightened them.

“Hey, try to have a little faith in me would ya?” said Dark Heart, and with that he levitated a full body sack and galloped off his intentions clear.

He must persuaded his father to see reason before it’s too late.

A patrol outside of the Sapphire Kingdome spotted him and escorted the returning son back to the castle. Dark Heart took in as much detail as he could when they entered the city. All around them A.M. members marched past, their flag was hanging on every pole, every store window. Even the castle had replaced its blue flags with large black and yellow ones that danced in the wind. It was as if Night Blade believed that he had already won.