My Little Fire Emblem – Uprising Generation

by Tythen

Chapters

Chapter 1: Escape!
Chapter 2: The Protected
Chapter 4: Ancient Horrors
Chapter 5: The Empire's Reach
Chapter 6: Victims of War
Chapter 7: Waterside Rearvall
Chapter 8: It's a trap!
A New Journeigh
Chapter 9 T.S: Distant Blade
Chapter 10 T.S: Revolt at Bitland
Chapter 10 S.A: Turning Traitor
Chapter 11 T.S: Creeping Darkness
Chapter 11 S.A: Phantom Ship
Chapter 12 T.S: Village of Silence
Prologue: Birthday Wishes
Chapter 3: Bandits of the Ridge

Chapter 1: Escape!

Chapter 1: Escape!

Somewhere on Border Mulean, A platoon of Crystalis soldiers marched towards a castle at the border.

"Princess Fluttershy!!!" A Lunatan soldier alerted "Crystalis' forces are approaching!"

"What?" Fluttershy quietly exclaimed "So soon? Ah, we've had no time!"

"Milady" The soldier advised "We lack the arms to defend this place. You must return to Castle Lunata."

"I can't!" she cried "Not yet. We haven't found Twilight and her companions yet. Twilight is my friend, and she needs my help. I won't abandon her." She got an idea "Oh I know! Go and ask Stepmo... I mean Princess Luna for more troops."

"Yes! Your highness!" The guard agreed saluting then heading off to the direction to the Castle.

"Twilight, please be safe." Fluttershy prayed.

The Lunatan cavalier went to the castle and another soldier trained as a Mercenary guarded the gate. The Crystalis enemy assessed the situation.

"Commander" A soldier informed the stallion in charge of the group whom is trained as a Knight. A lance user with very durable armour. "The enemy appears to be fortifying their position in the castle."

"Hmph." Came the commander's response "They're tenacious, but they have no hope of stopping our advance."

"What are your orders sir?"

"Ha! Orders?" The commander laughed harshly "You just stand there and watch. I'll crush them myself!"

"As you command sir." The soldier nodded feeling a little bit offended as the knight commander approached the Lunatan mercenary Iron lance at the ready. After spinning his spear, the commander took one step forward against the Mercenary and with the other step, critically thrusting the spear in the Merc's body killing the Lunatan instantly without any counter-attack.

"Ha! That's what happens when you face my lance!" The commander taunted at the dead pony then entered the castle.

"St-Stop right there! Call off your forces and turn back! O-or you'll have me to deal with!" She timidly but courageously threatened.

"Is that so?" The commander questioned "And who might you be?"

"W-Who? I am Fluttershy, princess of Lunata." She answered then continued "I-I will not permit you to abuse my nation any longer."

"Lunata's royal brat, huh? How convenient." The commander grunted devilishly

"Leave this castle immediately." Fluttershy continued her bravery but made a big mistake in her next sentence "If you harm me, my Stepmother and her student will chase you to Equestria's end."

"Yes. I've heard how Princess Luna dotes on her precious little Stepdaughter. Let's see how true that is, you'll become a fine hostage, If your 'stepmother' even cares about you." He grinned then ordered "Seize the filly and lock her up!"

"Right away sir!" The same soldier obeyed and grabbed Fluttershy dragging her to the cell blocks. Despite her trying to fight back, it was no use.

"No! Let me go!" She immediately lost her bravery and became timid again desperately clawing back to no avail.

Somewhere close to the castle far from the Crystalis platoon, Twilight and Flash managed to get the castle in their view, both of them healed up and fresh to fight again.

"Flash, look!" Twilight pointed out to Flash at their enemy force occupying the castle.

"I see it. Part of Crystalis' army has already reached Lunata." Flash agreed "Princess, this place is perilous. We should bypass Mulean altogether and head straight for the castle." He advised

"But we just can't ignore this..." Twilight protested then started to persuade Flash with memories

"You were there when Solaria was invaded... You saw what I saw. You saw how the people suffered at the hands of Crystalis' soldiers. Homes were destroyed, possessions stolen, mares AND stallions were kidnapped... Anyone who resisted were executed without question and hesitation." Flash was silent taking in all of the words of his Princess.

"Please, Flash. I can't allow this to happen here. I don't want to see any more people being harmed by Crystalis' atrocities." Twilight begged. After thinking this through, Flash decided to choose what was the best situation for them.

"Princess Twilight, I understand the situation." Twilight was too tense for Flash to finish, dreaded to hear the 'but'. "So lets retake Mulean." Flash finished surprising Twilight and causing her to expel tears of joy and determination. "But Princess, you must act with caution. Your ponies need you too." Flash warned

"Of course, Flash." Twilight comforted pulling out her Rapier "Come on! Let's go!"

Flash proceeded to teach Twilight about the importance of herself and others.

"If you fall in battle, Its all over for us and for anypony who joins our team, whoever they are. If any other soldier you command including me dies, you can still continue and strive onwards, but since we are dead, we can no longer fight with you. Ever. So try not to cause any casualties." He concluded then proceeded to teach Twilight about the weapon triangle.

"Wait." Twilight interrupted "I know this. Read it from a book somewhere. Swords beat Axes, Axes beat Lances and Lances beat Swords?"

"That's right." Flash nodded in appreciation in Twilight's learning of war "Ponies can get certain advantages and disadvantages of what weapon they wield and bring in battle. There are special advantages on what weapon is used on who, but we'll cross that bridge when we get to it." After he finished, Flash bowed to her and vowed "I am yours to command from now on until Captain Armor or Her majesty says so. What are your orders Your Highness?"

"Can you take out the enemy Fighter over there?" Twilight asked

"I can take out the entire platoon right now if you want and I have the strength to prove it and do so." Flash boasted "But If you just want to take out that Fighter, consider it done!" And Flash immediately galloped up to fight the enemy. Twilight saw from afar taking notes.

"Paladins like Flash has high movement..." She wrote after seeing how he can move so far enough to reach the enemy "The enemy is wielding an Iron Axe and Flash has two weapons, a Steel Sword and a Silver Lance. Judging on the weapon triangle, Flash would pull out the sword." And her prediction came true as Flash pulled out his Steel Sword over his more powerful Silver Lance instead. "Swords provide superior speed making them hard to hit and letting them attack twice but they aren't that powerful, Axes provide superior damage but its hard to land a blow with them and Lances have provide a balance depending on what type of class uses them but what makes their weapons count is whatever weapons they're up against." She continued taking down notes as Flash cut down his enemy in one blow. "Aye!!! There's so many things to write down!" She complained then called out

"Flash, I need to know what's happening here. I'm going to visit that home." Pointing to a nearby house and Flash waved back in agreement. As Twilight was let in, the kind houseowner started talking with Twilight about the Crystalis forces invading the castle and seizing its gate. He explains how the gate can provide defense and can heal whoever is on it giving Twilight a theory that if there is a gate or something similar to it somewhere, then the enemy commander would definitely be hogging that spot. It also told her that if there are any spots like these available, then she should place her fighting ponies there if they get hurt. After thanking the houseowner, Twilight took a break outside the house.

The commander soon spotted some different looking units far from his platoon.

"Is that the Princess of Solaria?" He said then laughed "Ha ha! It really is my lucky day! Fame and Fortune ride to meet me!" Then yelled at his men "Move on, you slugs! Bring that girl to me!" A Crystalis fighter got the message and headed off in the direction of Flash.

At another area, Two certain ponies arrived at the battlefield. One was a young earth foal dressed like a pirate, the other was a large red earth pony with a blond mane.

"Sir Macintosh, is that Mulean?" Pipsqueak asked "Have we reached Lunata's border already?"

"Eeyup." The big red colt spoke " Princess Fluttershy should be in the castle."

"I see... But look, the countryside is crawling with Crystalis soldiers! The Castle Guard is missing, are we too late? Did Mulean fall?" He asked worried.

"Don't know." Big Macintosh grunted "But If Miss Shy's used as a bargaining tool, she ain't in danger. It's mah job to keep her safe."

"I... I understand sir. We can't give up so let's move." Pipsqueak agreed started planning out "We must take back the castle, then ride to Princess Twilight's aid."

"I'm up front." Big Mac instructed "I've got good armour so protect mah flank son." The Lunatan knight approached a Crystalis soldier and made the first stab, the soldier however, was faster than Big Mac so she managed to strike twice with her spear, missing once and hitting the second time. Pipsqueak ran up to Big Mac's aid

"Sir! Are you all right?" He asked worried

"Just a scratch." Big Macintosh replied showing no emotion

"Here! Take some Vulneraries. I've got a few of them" Pipsqueak offered tossing a bunch of three bottles to Big Macintosh. Big Macintosh took one out and drank it completely healing him.

"Thanks son." Big Macintosh thanked

"Sir... When I was just a cabin person fresh out of the sea, Lieutenant Sentry taught me something. Every Pirate is worth many things, even the inexperienced. So please take me on." He pleaded until he saw something diverting his attention "Hold hard!"

"What?" Big Mac replied

"That Pegasus over there." Pipsqueak pointed out to Big Mac "Is that Lieutenant Sentry? And his companion... That must be Princess Twilight!"

Twilight commanded Flash to head up to the other house and visit them while she takes out the approaching fighter herself, she wounded him to the very brink of death but took a rather bad hit. Pipsqueak finished off the female soldier that Big Macintosh didn't kill. Believe it or not, he was inexperienced in battle and used a sword when his opponent had a lance so he missed his first hit giving an counterattack bringing pain. Luckily, Pipsqueak had enough speed to attempt another blow on which it successfully landed killing the mare. "Guess I should use a lance next time..." Pipsqueak promised to himself, clutching his wound he could have avoided. Flash left the house learning that knights like the enemy commander has big strong armour that can easily deflect any damage caused by any blade. However, since the civilian knows about armours, he informed Flash that these type of knight armours can be pierced with some special weapons like an "Armourslayer" or "Rapier", vital information for Twilight! Flash then managed to move next to Twilight to convey the information.

With the last of his strength, the enemy fighter decided to attack Big Macintosh since he wielded a spear while the other enemies wielded swords. The Iron Axe hacked at Big Mac afflicting damage but he shrugged it off and retaliated which the Fighter dodged. An enemy soldier stabbed Pipsqueak with his spear, but Pipsqueak was too fast for the enemy that after two sword slashes from Pipsqueak, fell to the ground.

Twilight and Flash was delighted to see their little pirate foal alive

"Is that you Pipsqueak? Am I ever so happy to see you in one piece!" Flash greeted with happiness

"A..Aye sir, you're also alive as well." Pipsqueak replied with little tears of joy, then determinedly said. "As long as you lead us sir, the Pirates of Solaria will never be defeated!"

"Uhhh..." Flash chuckled embarrassed "I think you mean knights Pipsqueak. Anyway, you and I must work together to protect Princess Twilight, so let's ride together."

"Aye aye sir!!!! With great honour!!!" Pipsqueak obeyed saluting him. As Flash went to hide in a small forest for protection, Pipsqueak drew his sword again to kill the fighter attacking Big Mac.

"Swords beat Axes!!! That's what the weapon triangle says!" Pipsqueak taught himself as he stabbed the fighter ending his life. Meanwhile, Twilight and Big Mac occupied two different forts. There were only 3 enemies left including the enemy commander, the fighter went to strike against Big Mac, his axe striking the Lunatan knight and Big Mac missing his counter attack, again. As luck may have it, Crystalis reinforcements came from the direction where Twilight and Flash arrived.

"I've found them! Stragglers from Solaria! Don't let them get away!" The reinforcement leader exclaimed. Twilight recovered some wounds in the fort and so did Big Macintosh. Flash went to annihilate the enemy fighter with a neat slash to the enemy's heart. Big Macintosh went to advance towards the castle and Pipsqueak took over the fort to heal his wounds. Twilight found the chance to talk to him.

"Princess Twilight! It is good to see you're well." Pipsqueak greeted saluting her.

"Pipsqueak, you've made it through unscathed..." Twilight replied with relief seeing one of her subjects alive.

"Aye-Aye your Highness! I met up with Sir Big Macintosh of Lunata and explained the situation in Solaria. He told me that Princess Fluttershy was in danger as well, here in Mulean so we came here as fast as we could." Pipsqueak explained

"Wait... Fluttershy is here? Pipsqueak, we must hurry!" Twilight sharply ordered

"Aye Aye!!!" Pipsqueak obeyed raising his front leg in salute. As the enemy started approaching the small platoon of the three Solarian soldiers and the one Lunatan soldier. The Soldier guarding the castle with the commander attacked Big Macintosh. The enemy's spear did even less damage than the axes to Big Macintosh, this time, Big Mac's attack successfully hit taking out some vital points leaving the enemy one more blow to kill, the reinforcements containing two fighters and the soldier advanced on the party. As Pipsqueak healed his wounds in the fort, Twilight homed in on the enemy reinforcements with Flash for support, she used her new signature teleporting surprise lunge technique landing a critical hit on one of the fighters taking him out. Big Macintosh finished off the soldier he was dealing with. Pipsqueak still wanted to fight so he moved to the fort Twilight was on to still keep his healing and defences on and hoping to attract the other enemy fighter. The reinforcement soldier aimed for Twilight whom teleported out of the lance's range and stabbed back twice. The fighter ignored Pipsqueak and headed for Twilight or in harsher terms, getting a one-way ticket to Tartarus for free as he failed to hit her and she killed him with two lunges into the chest.

"I wonder if these Crystalis grunts learn about the weapon triangle." Twilight joked wiping blood off her Rapier

"Their tactics is to attack the weakest unit or a unit that they have a weapon advantage against." Flash informed "However, the remaining soldier will not stand a chance against my Steel Sword." And beheaded the remaining soldier. "Now all that's left is the commander."

"By the way Flash" Twilight added "I really appreciate it with you watching my back and taking out all the hostiles, but as I look around at my other soldiers, they should have a chance to take a stab at the enemy, its the only way to build up their stats and survive tougher battles, so I think you should just refrain from fighting for now and let our other weaker soldiers stab a chance because you know, you're too strong."

"Aww... very well. I shall observe the building up of our allied units and help them whenever they are in critical condition." Flash obeyed

"That I can allow you to do!" Twilight exclaimed. "Now, did you say Rapiers can pierce the armour of knights?"

The Crystalis Knight commander was still waiting at the castle gate for his soldiers to bring the Princess of Solaria to him. Unaware that all his soldiers are dealt with.

"Graaahhhh!!! How long do these runts take? It's just a measly stupid Princess they need to capture! It's not like she can fight back!" He yelled to himself

"So I'm a measly stupid princess then?" Twilight spoke out alerting the commander and showing him her Rapier. The commander was surrounded by the Solarian Princess and her 3 stallions or to be very touching, friends!

"What!? My soldiers are dead already? Bah, what a worthless lot of curs I've been assigned!!! Fine then! I'll take you out myself! No one can pierce my armour. No one!!!" He taunted and boasted readying his lance to defend against what he thought will be a crummy blow.

"Not really, everyone has a weakness and that includes Knights. There are weapons known for taking out heavy armoured men like you!" Twilight retaliated with words then raised her Rapier preparing to lunge. The first lunge was a complete miss and the counter attack from the commander landed on Twilight damaging her greatly. In her immense pain, she attack a second time only to miss once more. "Argh... Dang it!" Twilight cursed

"You'll never defeat me with that small pointy stick of yours!" The commander laughed. "I will kill your other comrades, then take you in! I'll be famous and rich!"

"What a loudmouth..." Pipsqueak disappointingly said.

"Eeyup." Big Macintosh nodded

"Princess!" Flash yelled horrified, he could tell that one more blow from the commander would kill her instantly so he immediately picked her up and placed her in a safe place. "Are you ok?" He asked worried

"Ugh... I was so careless..." Twilight replied shamefully.

"No you're not, its not your fault." Flash cheered "Even though Rapiers can work against armour, it's still a sword and Lances can still beat swords, the advantage of Armour Piercing triumphed your awareness of Lances against Swords. Besides, you can only wield swords."

"Thanks for the comfort." Twilight winced "I'll be careful on what type of enemies I should fight against next time."

"Very well. Now, what are your orders in dealing with the commander?" Flash asked

"Hmm... Only one can attack him head on. I'm worried about Big Macintosh and Pipsqueak. Can you take him on?"

"It would be my greatest pleasure." Flash obeyed but instead of pulling out his Steel Sword, he pulled out his Silver Lance, a very powerful weapon that requires a soldier with a high weapon level to wield them. "I'll give a quick explanation about different materials used for weapons. From rank E to A and from weakest to strongest, are the materials used. Iron Weapons, Steel Weapons, Killer and Reaver Weapons, Brave Weapons and Silver Weapons. Now, watch." Flash taught and advanced on the Knight while Twilight was at a safe spot.

"The Princess won't face her fight and gets one of her pathetic soldiers to fight me?" The commander taunted

"You have made a bad mistake harming my dear Princess." Flash retaliated "And no one is pathetic. Not even one who picks up the sword for the first time. Now face your punishment!" And sent his lance through the commander's armour badly wounding him.

"Arrggh! Why you little..." The commander cursed and retaliated. This time, the commander missed, "No!" He cried

"You will not dodge this time." Flash remarked and dealt the finishing blow, the commander was finished. He can't fight back anymore.

"This... this can't be... I..." He muttered his last words on the ground before he ceased talking forever.

"Well done Lieutenant Sentry!" Pipsqueak complimented "That's our Second In Command!" Big Macintosh said nothing but silently clapped in respect of Flash's strength.

"Thanks... Flashy." Twilight thanked blushing

"Flashy?" Flash was confused "N-Never mind about that Princess. All that's left for you know is to seize the castle." And gestured towards the vacant castle gate. "Remember, only the commander of the group can perform this task and that's you."

"Got it." Twilight nodded and approached the Castle Gate. At the front of the gate, she raised her Rapier high in the air to signify that this Castle is now under Solarian forces and inevitably, signifying victory for Solaria.

Big Macintosh brought Fluttershy back out from the Cell blocks of the castle.

"Princess Fluttershy." Big Mac bowed

"Sir Macintosh..." Fluttershy said tears forming "I'm sorry. I never meant to cause you such trouble."

"No trouble..." Big Mac grunted "Ah live to serve."

"All right!!!" Pipsqueak screamed with glee "We did it! Victory for Solaria!"

"Despite what happened at Solaria, we will still fight on for our nation and retaking Mulean for Lunata is just the beginning." Flash assessed. "But let's not forget who had led us to victory." Flash gestured then bowed to Twilight "Congratulations Princess. For your remarkable tactics and life-saving decisions, you have achieved your first victory."

"Oh come on guys." Twilight thanked blushing "It's also you guys that managed to do most of the heavy work. I have also you brave soldiers to thank as well! I would have never pulled through without you!" After those compliments and congratulations, she went to go see the Princess of Lunata. "Fluttershy!" She exclaimed

"...Twilight?!?" Fluttershy gasped realising that her best friend was still alive. "Is that really you?"

"Fluttershy" Twilight questioned "What are you doing so far from Castle Lunata?"

"I heard that Solaria has fallen, and I was so worried." Fluttershy answered "But I'm glad to see that you're safe now... What about your brother? Is he safe too?"

"I hope I would know..." Twilight answered disappointingly.

"So you haven't heard from him?" Fluttershy deciphered from Twilight's simple answer "Oh I hope he's not been harmed." She prayed "We need to go to Castle Lunata. My Stepmother may know something."

"Thanks Fluttershy." Twilight thanked "You're a really good friend, you would protect your friends even though you are up against the largest nation as an enemy."

Twilight and her companion friends have liberated the border castle. Alongside Princess Fluttershy of Lunata, they ride to the Lunatan Capital.

"Oh Fluttershy... We are grateful to see that thou are safe from harm's way and back home again!" Princess Luna boomed in her Royal Voice welcoming back her Stepdaughter. "Thou has no idea how we were worried when we heard thou were under attack at Border Mulean. Thy will not leave anymore without our permission. Do thy understand?"

"Don't be mad Stepmother." Fluttershy comforted "Look, I come bearing good news. Twilight! You may come out now!" And Twilight presented herself to the Ruler of Lunata. That is, magically teleport right in the presence of the Princess of the Moon.

"Princess Luna." Twilight bowed "I am pleased to see you again. Even in these sad times."

"Ah Twilight!" Luna greeted "It does our heart good to see thou is also safe."

"Thank you." Twilight thanked "I was able to escape the castle before Solaria fell." But she paused to gather the guts to ask this question "But I'm not sure if my teacher... Princess..."

"Yes." Luna nodded sadly "We... We have received word about thy teacher."

"Your highness?" Twilight asked hastily "Please tell me. Is Princess Celestia well?"

"Princess Celestia... My dearest and oldest sister..." Luna started until tears dropped from her eyes.

"W-What? Tears?" Twilight observed aghast "Y-you don't mean..."

"She did not survive the fall of Solaria Castle." Luna finished and attempted to wipe the overflowing tears on her face

"No, it cannot be..." Twilight protested then started to cry too. Flash stayed silently quiet looking emotionless but everyone knows he is also distressed and sad at the loss of his ruler.

"Rest assured" Luna continued after wiping some of her tears away "Crystalis will be punished for its cowardly act. That is a bond we will not break from a sister and her country of Solaria. We will help in anyway and we will stop our horrendous nephew for his horrid acts!" Luna took a pause to calm down. "Twilight. Do stay here and rest. We dread and cannot think on how exhausted thou must be." Twilight was still silent, unable to answer.

"Princess Luna." Flash spoke "Do you know about Captain Shining Armor's disappearance?"

"Yes" Luna nodded and explained what she heard "We hear that the Captain and his soldiers hound Crystalis at every turn. It's said that he's led his forces into the empire itself. Reports suggest he has crossed the border and now fights in Rearvall."

"My brother." Twilight broke her silence "He fights on? Even now?"

"Thou is correct." Luna nodded "Our pegasus knights bought this information at a great price however. Even though Solaria has fallen, he charges into the enemy's heart. He is truly the loyal Captain of Solaria..." Princess Luna complimented "What a valiant youth. We wish we knew whether he remains unharmed, but we do not."

"Princess Luna." Twilight decided "I thank you for your offer, but I cannot stay. I intend to ride to my brother's side with reinforcements."

"Nay!" Princess Luna roared "We cannot allow it. We know how thy feel, but a shrewd plan like that is suicide! We would be betraying my sister's memory if we allowed any harm to befall you. Stay here, rest and mourn and leave the war to the warriors."

"I know you mean well your majesty." Twilight continued unfazed "However, I have lost my princess and my dearest teacher. She is like my mother to me. Now my Big Brother Best Friend Forever is in peril. He is a part in me... and I cannot rest here in peace while he risks his life."

"Nay" Luna was also unfazed at Twilight's persuasion "Solaria has no more army as Crystalis' forces has decimated them. We wish that Lunata could provide you with soldiers for support but... Thou are a student of Celestia, am I right? Well, we also have a student we are teaching. We guess it runs in the family being a mentor for other aspiring and promising unicorns. Our faithful student Princess Lyra Heartstrings is now on her way to meet with the Empire's forces. We cannot spare a single brigade. Thy own retinue of brave knights cannot possibly face Crystalis alone. Are thou so determined to go?" She asked after telling her older sister's student about her own student.

"Yes." Was Twilight's simple but bold response "...With apologies."

"... Just as resolute as my sister." Luna responded "What are we to do in the face of such foolhardy determination? We hope my sister won't be remembered as Trollestia." She chuckled then announced "Big Macintosh."

"Eeyup Madam?" Big Macintosh grunted and stood to attention

"Sweetie Drops." Was her next address.

"You called Milady?" A white pony with a blue curly mane with pink shades approached

"We're sorry." Princess Luna apologised "For using thy real name. Its just that there are other nations present that we have to be formal. Do thou want to be called Bonbon?"

"At least they would know now!" Bonbon replied gesturing towards the Solarian knights then bowed "Pleasure to make your acquaintance Princess Twilight."

"Pleasure to meet you too Bonbon!" Twilight returned the greeting.

"I'm right here Your Highness!" A voice rang out and a grey pegasus randomly flew in crashing into a few things causing quite a lot of general property damage and a ruckus before landing on the floor flat on the ground.

"Oh my! I didn't summon you Der-" Luna protested with shock.

"Princess." Flash questioned "Who is this pegasus mare?" Luna sighed and answered

"This is Ditzy Doo. But that's not her real name. In fact, no one knows her real name at all. Not even herself. She is normally known as Ditzy Doo or Bright Eyes but the name that seems to stick to her the most is..."

"Derpy Hooves, at your service!" The blond pegasus interrupted shaking Twilight's hoof.

"Uh... Nice to meet you too!" Twilight embarrassingly greeted then after getting the pegasus off, she ran straight to Luna.

"Princess Luna" she questioned "Her eyes. What happened to them?"

"She's a very clumsy mare and she doesn't know why she's clumsy. However, about her eyes, this is her own personal details and would not talk to anyone about it. We shall respect that of her. Anyway, Bonbon and Big Macintosh, you will accompany Princess Twilight of Solaria into Crystalis territory and I expect each of you to provide aid and support for her brother."

"This is a rather risky and grave responsibility you've given us milady." Bonbon said

"We'll still perform our duty. No matter what obstacles. Princess Twilight, our lives are yours to lead. For Lunata and Solaria" Big Macintosh grunted and vowed

"These are our most trusted and stalwart vassals. They will, no doubt, prove themselves to be strong and valuable companions on thy journey. Since thou will also be venturing behind enemy lines, thy will need supplies. We will also provide a supply convoy to carry any weapons and provisions. It will always remain beside you, no matter how far afield you venture. We will also donate some war funds for thy journey, 5000 bits should do." Luna addressed much to Twilight's amazement and heart on how much Princess Luna, the ruler of Lunata and sister nation of Solaria's heart and generosity. 5000 bits? That is a massive amount of money!

"Princess Luna. I... Thank you very much." Princess Twilight talked with great affection

"Nay. Save your thanks for thy return... With your brother Captain Shining Armor. We will do this for my sister, thy teacher!"

"I will Your Highness!" Twilight promised.

"Hang on." Flash spoke as he saw Derpy leaving unhappily because she just realised she caused a lot of damage and embarrassment... again, she really didn't know what went wrong. "What is Derpy's job class?" He asked Luna. As soon as she heard her name spoken by Flash, she stopped and turned around.

"Muffin?" She asked still upset

"May we know why thou ask this question?" Luna curiously replied

"Although she has a problem with her eyes, I can see that her eyes has experienced war. Do you know Miss Hooves' fighting style?"

"Despite her clumsiness, she is not a muffin, but a Pegasus Knight." Luna answered

"That's right sir!" Derpy nodded in agreement.

"Hmm... Princess Luna, Is it too much to ask if we can also bring Derpy Hooves along for our cause?" Flash asked

"We have heard about your reputation Flash Sentry." Luna tested "Being the Second In Command of the Solarian army and very loyal to my sister and the Captain, but also being a mentor figure to most of the soldiers. Did you say that every soldier is worth many things, even the most inexperienced?"

"Yes." Flash agreed "I said that with my own words. I'm not sure what Derpy's current duty is, but in times like these with the haste and hurry to try and get an advantage over our enemy, I think Derpy would be a great addition to our party especially a Pegasus Knight like her for movement over impassible terrain. If she is a reliable pony, I understand that you would keep her to your side, but know that she will always serve you, whether it is guard duty, messenger or soldier. She is someone that you can rely on, you can rely on all your soldiers, her eyes tell me everything, she lives to serve, no matter what difficulties come her way, she is willing to fight for you. Here or afar." Derpy tried to look loyal even though she was upset and stood to attention.

"Thou speak very well." Luna was thoroughly inspired by Flash's words "But It falls to the decision of Princess Twilight. Will thou accept Derpy Hooves to fight under your command?"

"It would be my great pleasure to guide her in battle." Twilight agreed then turned to Derpy's attention "Welcome to the team Derpy." And Derpy beamed.

"I am yours to command Princess! I will lay down my life to fight by your side!" Derpy jumped with joy. "Let me just get my armour and weapons!" And flew to the armory. After a few seconds of Derpy flying out, the sound of collision, clattering, yelling noises and objects falling and collapsing to the ground that caused the Castle to shake. Luna, Twilight, Flash, Pipsqueak, Big Mac, and Bon Bon could only see what was just outside the door with great astonishment. Some cutlery, plates and plate covers clattering on the floor moving towards the other direction. Larger things started appearing in the party's view such as flags, suits of armour, weapons, statues, Chandeliers and the last thing flying into the view of the party's eyes was a large fragment of one of the castle walls. After that was silence and Derpy managed to fly back in wearing her Pegasus Knight Armour carrying two different lances and a few Vulneraries. "I am ready to fight!" Was Derpy's comment after all the massive ruckus.

"Your Pegasus Knight armour is exceptionally well taken care of!" Flash complimented "Very good for a first impression! Better than Pipsqueak's Cavalier Armour, since he hides it underneath his Pirate garb..." He chuckled

"Hey!!!" Pipsqueak embarrassingly blurted out.

"Well, all Solarian soldiers have to keep their armour in check, better than average and shiny as ever!" Twilight added "I know you keep your special Paladin armour as smart as always Flash!" Rubbing her hand against Flash's armour.

"Taking special care of your armour can save you one day." Flash addressed.

"I can see." Twilight agreed going through memories "That Crystalis pegasus before nearly could have killed you!" Flash was silent at that until Fluttershy broke in.

"Twilight, you don't really intend to go through with this do you? I can't guess how you must feel, but it's just too dangerous. What would happen if you were captured by Crystalis' forces?"

"Thanks for your concern Fluttershy." Twilight thanked "You're very kind, but I have no choice. Don't you see Fluttershy? I have to go."

"Twilight..." Fluttershy protested "Oh why is this happening? What's gone wrong with the world?"

"Fluttershy..." Twilight comforted

"Why would Crystalis invade?" Fluttershy continued ranting "Prince Blueblood is a man of peace. His ponies adore him. And you and Shining Armor are friends with Princess Sunset Shimmer, his student, are you not? What could be behind this madness? Why is this happening..."

"I have no answers for you Fluttershy." Twilight replied "And no book is going to tell me the answers. I don't want to believe it either, but the reality is that we are at war." Twilight paused to catch her breath "If I do nothing, I may lose my brother as well as my teacher. This is why I have to fight. It's the only answer I have and that's what's going to help me find the answers to your questions."

Chapter 2: The Protected

Princess Luna apologises for being unable to spare soldiers. However, she does provide Twilight with a small but trusted party of vassals. Twilight is grateful for the Princess' aid. Chasing rumors of her brother, she sets out for Crystalis. The group's first stop is the remote village of Idea, which was, until very recently, a part of Solaria. Here Twilight sees the devastation of Solaria with her own eyes.

Chapter 2: The Protected

"Flash has mapped out a route for us." Twilight addressed "We'll travel south of Solaria and pass through Seramany into Crystalis territory. Any objections?"

"Not at all" Bonbon replied "Its seems like a sensible plan. If we don't run into any Crystalis soldiers."

"By the way Bonbon" Twilight asked "You are an Earth Pony. How are you a priestess?"

"Its complicated really. I only use healing magic, I channel magic from my staff to the target via prayer." Bonbon explained

"If I may Princess, would you like me to scout up ahead?" Derpy piped up excitedly "I can spot any nearby enemies from the sky and I would be back here quickly before you know it!"

"Your highness, we are yours to command." Bonbon reminded "Your permission?"

"Yes you may." Twilight nodded "Be careful for enemy bowmares though Derpy."

"I'll be retreating almost immediately when I see one! I will be worthy of your honor of your trust." And flew off to scout the area.

"Wow... Derpy seems really sincere." Twilight said surprised "Maybe Flash was right to bring her along."

"Yes... Very sincere." Bonbon agreed "I've never seen her like this before. Maybe she wants to fight again?"

As Derpy flew to Idea, she spotted a few unknown units heading towards the village. Derpy stayed flying opposite the mountains separating her from the stallions

"Hey boss!" One of the stallions said. "We've found more villages ripe for the picking!"

"One, two, three..." The leader of the group said "Ha ha ha! I love a good war! With all those soldiers preoccupied, we're free to pillage as we please! You're in charge then." The leader told the stallion who informed him and commanded "Grab everything that's not nailed down and bring it to the hideout."

"I'm on it." The stallion obeyed. There was a village nearby the stallion bandits. A young little filly with a red ribbon ran up to an Orange mare with a Stetson Hat.

"Big Sis! Them Varmint Bandits are approaching!" The filly yelled.

"What in tarnation?" The mare replied with this grim news "Stay close to me Applebloom, we're gettin out of here!"

"Let's start with that village there! Go to it boys! It's all yours." The commander brigand ordered. "Cut down anyone fool enough to get in your way. I'm heading west around the mountains to the other villages." The nearby brigand obeyed and approached the village destroying and pillaging it. Meanwhile, the two sisters from the village before managed to escape.

"Aaaahhhh!!!" Applebloom cried

"Applebloom, what d'ya get in now? What's the problem?" The mare asked with concern

"Ain't a problem. Just a scratch! Just like the pain from the farm!" Applebloom replied to prevent worries for her big sister. "Yer a powerful pony big sis and I'm yer younger sister so I won't be droppin dead easily!"

"Ya ain't foolin me Applebloom." The mare was unfazed "That was no average injury back there, ya got hit real bad, and ya need help this instant!" Then the mare yelled out "Anypony! Help! Save mah younger sister! Can any of Y'all kind folk help me? Ah'm begging you!"

"Oh dear! This looks really serious! I certainly know what went wrong here this time!" Derpy alerted while Twilight and her band of fighting friends approached the village. "Better report back to Miss Sparkle at once!" And flew back to Twilight's side

"Bad news Princess." Derpy informed "Bandits are attacking and they just destroyed a village to the east."

"Bandits!?" Twilight was aghast at the news.

"Ah. So now we have reached our first dilemma." Bonbon piped up "We have to move quickly and attract little attention as possible, but..."

"I cannot stand by and watch innocents be harmed." Twilight finished. "How fare the ponyfolk Derpy?"

"I spotted an injured pony hanging out at a fort." Derpy answered "She seems to be just a young filly."

"Bonbon, can your staff help her?" Twilight asked

"Of course!" Bonbon gladly said "I can heal her injuries via prayer and staff, I'm a priestess after all! But... She's too far away, I don't have the staff to deal with far range injuries. I need to be near her." She explained

"Princess" Derpy piped up "You can leave it to me! I'll bring the filly here. I can fly over these mountains easily but I'll sure to keep an eye out for those pesky archers. Flash told me that once an enemy archer sees a flying unit, they'll shoot me then and there."

"All right Derpy!" Bonbon cheered "Do your best!"

"I'll be off and back!" Derpy said and flew to the direction of where the filly Applebloom is and grabbed her.

"Hey!" Applebloom cried surprised that she got grabbed from behind "Get yer hooves off me!" Applebloom struggled trying to get free.

"Whoa! Slow down little filly! I may drop you if you keep squirming like that!" Derpy tried to calm her down. "I'll be bringing you to the other side of those mountains."

"Hold on! Sister!" Applebloom cried

"Don't worry bout me, Just go!" The Southern Mare addressed Derpy. "I'll hold these varmints here! Take care of Applebloom!"

"APPLEJACK!!!!!" Applebloom cried as Derpy flew her away.

"Be safe Applebloom. Don't worry about me. I've got enough sins to atone." Applejack prayed as she pulled out her Iron Axe to attack the enemy.

As Bonbon started to approach Derpy and her passenger, Twilight decided to warn the villages about the bandit threat. As she visited one of the villages, a villager was talking to a unicorn dressed up in a wizard's costume complete with pointy starry hat and starry cape.

"This is terrible... What are we going to do? Those bandits are so close. If we can't find some way to protect the village, we're doomed." The villager worried

"Maybe..." The unicorn suggested before she was interrupted

"People, listen to me! You must close the village gates immediately!" Twilight addressed "Hurry! Before the bandits arrive!"

"Who might you be?" The Unicorn asked "You don't look like that your are from the neighbouring towns, are you? And since you are wielding weapons, you're no peasant."

"My name is Twi..." Until she stopped midway not to give away her true self. "My name is Lovestruck. I'm a mercenary."

"A mercenary named Lovestruck. Is The Great and Powerful Trixie right? The Great and Powerful Trixie feels that there is more to you than that. But it none of Trixie's affairs. By the way, you haven't heard of Trixie have you? I am the Great and Powerful Trixie, a general in Crystalis' army."

"Ah!" Twilight was afraid the Unicorn's identity.

"Is there a problem?" Trixie asked

"No... uh, nothing." Twilight replied nervously

"These villagers have some bandit troubles. The Great and Powerful Trixie would like to help, but Trixie has orders... Trixie needs to leave for the capital immediately, and cannot stay. Since you are armed and claiming to be a mercenary, will you help them?" Trixie asked

"Um..." Twilight was unsure about this Crystalis' general's heart.

"Another problem?" Trixie asked again

"No! Of course I'll help them with my steel!" Twilight accepted "It's just that... You are one of Crystalis' generals... Why would you..."

"These are not soldiers. They are ponies." Trixie answered "Should they suffer just because their leaders fight? The Great and Powerful Trixie has petitioned your aid. Take this as payment." And levitated a red gem into Twilight's hoof and left. Twilight was left there standing still and silent clutching the red gem, Crystalis has ransacked Solaria, and one of their generals wants to help any remaining villagers? Twilight left the village with the gates closing behind her. Pipsqueak, Flash and Big Mac advances while the bandits also start to advance. The brigand that ransacked the village turned his attention to Applejack and went to kill her.

"Bad mistake to destroy my village pardner, as well as harming my sister." She remarked spinning her axe. The brigand charged and landed a blow on Applejack. Applejack shrugged it off, prepared to swing her axe and jumped swinging her Axe down on to the enemy body dealing more damage. "Now its mah turn!" Applejack said retreating to the fort closeby the brigand, pulling out her other weapon, a hand axe that not only fights in close combat, but also doubles as a ranged weapon. She threw the hand axe like a boomerang but the brigand managed to duck in time. "Dagnabit!" Applejack said disappointedly before catching her returning axe.

"Alright Derpy! Drop the filly off!" Bonbon communicated

"Oof!" Applebloom landed

"I've brought the filly here." Derpy said "Can you heal her wounds? I'll go get the other mare."

"All right dear." Bonbon comforted Applebloom "Stay still. I'll work my magic out." Then started praying "Heavens of the Earth. Hear my prayer and help me tend to the young filly's wounds. Heal!" And the staff's gem shone sending out sparks of light which forms a ball of light which engulfs Applebloom, healing her wounds.

"Mah wound... It's gone!" Applebloom exclaimed in surprise

"That's right." Bonbon nodded smiling "Now try and keep yourself out of harm's way." Then Twilight walked up to Applebloom to talk to her.

"Hey, listen!" Applebloom said like a fairy "Mah village is being attacked by bandits. Mah name's Applebloom. Please help me wipe the runts out!"

"All right, just... take a deep breath and calm down, Applebloom. Leave the villages to us, we'll drive off the bandits. Flash, can you take the filly somewhere safe?"

"No! I wanna fight too!" Applebloom objected

"But..." Twilight protested

"Mah older sister is out there all alone, fightin' them bandits. I got to get back to her as quick as possible. Ahm' the sister of the Apple Adjudicator Applejack! As long as ah have mah axe, no bandit can ever defeat me!" Applebloom boasted

"Okay then, I can see you're not going to be swayed... But stay close to us will you?" Twilight remarked. Flash came and assessed Applebloom.

"Hmm... By the looks of you, you're a Journeymare aren't you?" Flash asked

"Bingo!!! That's right sir!" Applebloom nodded

"Hmm... That's a trainee class, so you would be an easy target for the enemy." Flash continued

"Hey!" Applebloom said offended "I can cut them down easily!"

"But with experience and training and killing an enemy can train you up very easily and once you reach a certain point, you can promote into a stronger class. You aiming to achieve that?" Flash asked

"Oh you bet sir!!!" Applebloom exclaimed jumping "Maybe I can find mah cutie mark then!"

"Small damaging attacks can go a long way." Flash taught "Ponies may find their cutie mark when they least expect it so try not to do something and expect to get what you want."

"Flash." Twilight asked "What do you mean by class promotion?"

"When units reach a certain point, they have the choice to change class and learn an advanced style of fighting." Flash taught "Applebloom's fighting style is a Journeymare. That's a trainee style of a sturdy infantrymare. Reaching a certain level in her fights automatically promotes her into a Primary fighting style." Flash paused a second then continued "Of course, Primary Class soldiers can also change class and promote into more advanced fighting styles as well, but an item is needed for the promotion. When I was a Cavalier doing my duty, Captain Armor had summoned me for what happened to be a ceremony."

"A ceremony? For what?" Twilight asked

"To my greatest surprise, for me becoming the Captain's Right-hand stallion!" Flash chuckled going back through his memories.

"Captain!" Flash rushed through the doors leading to Princess Celestia's pitch black hall except for the carpeted area where only Shining and Flash were visible. "What is the problem that you summoned me for?" He questioned with great concern.

"Ah! Flash! You are the most caring and loyal soldier I have ever seen!" Shining complimented.

"I always take my work very seriously sir." Flash replied showing no signs of blushing

"And that's why I summoned you. Guards?" Shining commanded and the torches of the hall were lit up enveloping the room with light. All the soldiers were in formation on the left and right sides of the hall facing each other scaring Flash to the fullest.

"W-What is the meaning of this?" Flash cried "I didn't betray the country! Did I?"

"Approach the stairs Flash." Shining commanded and Flash did what he was told, as he started walking towards his Captain, each guard that he passed stood their lance up straight and saluted him as Flash walked by. As Flash managed reached the stairs where Princess Celestia and Shining Armor stood, Princess Celestia spoke.

"Flash Sentry. Your ongoing duty and outstanding loyalty to your nation as a knight has been assessed and the Captain and I have been never more impressed by your conduct not only to your fellow comrades but to the people of the nation too."

"As a result, reward and a massive gratitude for your actions." Shining continued "The Princess and I hereby promote you to become my Lieutenant and the Second-In-Command of the Solarian Army. From now on, you will lead the forces of Solaria to any situation with me."

"Your Majesty, Captain, but..." Flash protested

"You wouldn't come to the ceremony if I told you that you were being promoted since you are already devoted to your duty. That's why I fibbed to you that I was in trouble so you would rush to my aid. I'm sorry for the inconvenience." Shining chuckled. "Will you accept and take up the sword of Solaria with me?"

"Captain..." Flash decided "I always thought that joining the army would teach me many things about camaraderie and how every soldier is worth."

"Instead" Shining answered "You ended up teaching the entire army including me about camaraderie and the worth of every single soldier, even the most inexperienced like you said. But you have taught us something more precious than that and that is friendship." Shining paused "Working together and knowing one another is what makes this army strong. Like what the Princess said."

"I see... I... I am honored and I will accept the position. For the protection and future of Solaria under your command!" Flash accepted.

"Thank you very much Flash" Shining thanked then proceeded to levitate what seems to be a crest on it to Flash's range. " Take the Knight Crest to show the army that your learning for everyone holds firm within you."

Flash then took the Knight Crest and held it in his front hooves trying to find out what it was, glinting in the light. The Crest began to glow faintly becoming stronger with every glow then shining very brightly, erupted a bright aura of light amazing the view of everyone, the shining crest in the middle of the light turned into a white light of energy which proceeded to engulf Flash's cavalier armor and lifting Flash off the ground and putting him in a trance with his eyes closed. The light engulfed armor started expanding around most of Flash's body and a piece of the light separated from the armor to cover most of Flash's head except the eyes. After the the light has covered most of Flash, in response to the trance, Flash opened his eyes revealing a brilliant white light from his eyes and erupted a radiating white light from his body shining against everyone around him. Once the bright light started fading from his eyes, so did the light engulfing the armor revealing a new golden reinforced armor similar to his fur as well as a new helmet while he touched back down on the ground, ending the promotion transformation.

"So you choose the style of the Paladin." Shining Armor said to the newly promoted Flash.

"I will use my improved movement and speed to protect everyone dear to me!" Flash vowed.

"So that promotion item was a Knight Crest?" Twilight answered after Flash's story of his promotion

"Yes, that's right." Flash nodded even although he just explained an entire story for a simple question, "And I vowed to stand by my the Princess and the Captain along with my fellow soldiers to protect them." He starts to get upset "And now I have failed them. I failed to keep my oath." Flash said.

"No!" Twilight started "It's not your fault. You still followed Princesses Celestia's orders even though she is gone. You're still protecting me. You are still doing your duty." Twilight comforted "Besides, not everyone in Solaria is dead. You still have Shining and Pipsqueak, you even have me and I'm grateful for that. The only thing I would hate to see is one of Solaria's finest soldiers being so negative about himself. You can keep other ponies morale up. Why not yours?"

"Hmm... I guess you're right." Flash said smiling

"Speaking of promotion" Twilight continued "Do you think I have a promotional item?"

"You?" Flash repeated "Well, you and your brother are Lords. I'm not so sure about another advanced fighting style for them, sorry."

"That's ok. Shall we get back in the fight?" Twilight asked and Flash nodded.

Flash went to warn a village about bandits and getting information from a villager that a young foal rescued her, although he looked like a mercenary, there was a childish atmosphere around him and also explained that this child mercenary wears a propeller hat, the villager then gave Flash a gift the mercenary gave her. As Flash left the village with its gates now shut, pocketing a bunch of Elixirs. He went to Twilight with a concern.

"Ah Flash!" Twilight called "Did you warn the village? What did they give you?"

"Some elixirs, these special potions work far better than Vulneraries. They heal the drinker completely. Apparently a Young Mercenary wearing a propeller hat gave one of the villagers these as a gift. I also heard other news." His brows furrowed

"What is it?" Twilight asked desperate to hear

"That the villagers I visited said that from their neighbour village, a mercenary by the name of Lovestruck is paid by a Crystalis general to protect the villages. They said that she was purple in colour and have shades of pink on her mane." Flash explained looking disappointed

"Uh... That neighbouring village was the one I visited right?" Twilight nervously answered, Flash was highly unamused.

"Lovestruck the mercenary!? Are you serious!? And yet you were even paid by a Crystalis General!?" Flash scolded

"B-But, I actually wanted to help the villages in the first place!" Twilight defended "And this Crystalis General seems to have a change of heart! She wanted to protect the Solarian villages as well!"

"Now that is what interests me." Flash replied calmly "Crystalis decides to invade our castle and destroyed our villages and let them be overrun by brigands. Now why would a soldier let alone a General of Crystalis is have the heart to protect any villages that are still standing?"

"I don't think all Crystalis soldiers are bad Flash." Twilight concluded "In fact some may be willing to join us!"

"We will see soon enough. What did the General offer you for your services?" Flash asked

"All she gave me was this red bauble..." Twilight answered showing him the gem

"I see... I guess that would do." Flash concluded after assessing the gem

"Do you know what this is?" Twilight asked

"I'm surprised you didn't know that you are holding a red gem. This item is worthless in battle, but it is very valuable. When one acquires a gem such as this, expect them to run to the nearest armory or shop." Flash answered in a riddle-like statement.

"So you mean that if I sell this, I get bits?" Twilight deciphered in a simple way

"In a nutshell yes. Red Gems sell for a decent amount of bits. 2500 if memory serves me." Flash agreed

"2500!?!?" Twilight jumped on how much this gem is worth. "I wouldn't be calling that a decent amount. That's a lot!"

"Ha ha ha!" Flash laughed "There are different coloured gems that more valuable than the Red ones. Be mindful that some weapons are nearly as expensive as that gem sells. So don't let the greed of bits get to you and spend them wisely. There's an armory right over there." He pointed to a peculiar looking building made of stone. "You can sell that gem there and stock up on weapons."

"Ok. Thanks for the tip!" Twilight answered.

The brigand that attacked Applejack earlier decided to attack Derpy instead since Pegasus Knights are low in health and defense, they are only used for quick attacks. However, Derpy spun her lance in the air and swooped down for a critical attack ending the brigand, flying back to her original position, she still winced from the pain of the Brigand's chop, an enemy archer nearby spotted Derpy and started advancing. Applejack healed most of her wounds from the fort and headed for the archer able to attack twice since the archer can't retaliate up close killing him.

"Remember the objective for this skirmish ponies?" Twilight addressed

"Kill every single bandit varmint here right now!" Applebloom screamed in reply raising her hatchet

"Calm down little one." Big Mac spoke to the little Journeymare only for her to gasp back as a response.

"Big Bro! You're alive!" Applebloom screamed embracing him.

"Eeyup. Good to see you." Big Mac greeted back. The two sides were closing up on each other eager to strike. Twilight went shopping for weapons while Derpy picked up Applejack to take to Applebloom.

"Listen sugarcube. Ya very lucky to land a crit on the Brigand with yer slim lance. Don't rely on it too often. I saw many of mah fellow pardners get cut up instantly on the front lines." Applejack warned

"Wait! You mean you've been in the war before?" Derpy spoke

"Dang! I gotta keep mah big gob shut!" Applejack cursed herself "I ain't speaking anything else, just tell me if dear Applebloom's okay."

"She'll be fine." Derpy guaranteed still wincing from the pain. Twilight exited the store carrying a couple of weapons.

"Flash? You should put your powerful weapons to rest and use the cheap Iron ones instead!" Twilight said passing a lance to Flash "Here's an Iron Lance. The Iron Sword is in the convoy of supplies, store the Elixir and Silver Lance while you're getting it." Twilight ordered

"Yes Princess." Flash and stored the mentioned items in the supplies convoy and taking the lance. "Looks like you're becoming a great commander!" He complimented

"Miss Applebloom?" Twilight catched the Journeymare's attention "Here's an Iron Axe for you! It will be useful for taking out the enemies that are up close so you can leave your hatchet for ranged attacks! Be careful swinging that thing though." Twilight advised

"Don't worry Princess! Ah'm not a baby anymore!" Applebloom thanked and cheered and after accepting the Iron Axe, she threw her Hatchet hitting the Brigand close to Twilight. "Yeah!" Applebloom cheered "Direct hit!"

"Not a bad throw if you ask me young filly." Flash complimented "If you keep this up, you may change class in no time."

"Why thanks mister!" Applebloom thanked

"Be mindful where you are though because all enemies would target you because of your trainee class" Flash warned "However, Princess Twilight and I have formed a defensive wall separating you from the enemy. They'll have to get through us before they can harm you."

"Wow mister!" Applebloom said "You sure talk a lot about safety measures!"

"Well of course." Flash replied smiling "When fighting a war, it is important not to get a lot of casualties, I wouldn't want to see any of my friends dying!" And Pipsqueak blocked the only entry around the wall made by Twilight and Flash.

"Now Applebloom won't be harmed!" Pipsqueak said and Big Mac stepped back to protect his younger sister. With Bonbon waiting in the far back for Derpy, the enemy advances. The brigand attacked by Applebloom scaled the peak and attacked Twilight managing to land a hit. Twilight missed once and hit with her second. It's going to be impossible to hit someone like that hiding in the mountains! Derpy dropped of Applejack near the village and Bonbon went to heal her wounds.

"Let me handle this cutthroat first! Then you have my permission to kill him Applebloom." Twilight ordered then stabbed the brigand twice whom was still alive clutching his wounds.

"Ya'll bandits are gonna die by mah axe!" Applebloom threatened and taunted "Take that foul varmint!" She yelled at the injured brigand that Twilight stabbed and struck him dead in one meek hit.

"First kill eeyup. Well done." Big Mac grunted

"Don't worry about the brigand camping at the peak close to you." Flash comforted pulling out the Iron Sword Twilight bought "I'll deal with him!" And cut the Peak-hiding brigand into two, dropping a bunch of Vulneraries.

"Flash, where did you get that?" Twilight asked pointing to the vulneraries

"Any loose items an enemy holds will belong to us once the enemy is killed. This bandit doesn't seem to be keeping his vulneraries together. We can put it to better use instead." Flash chuckled. Big Mac bought an Iron Lance for Derpy and an enemy made his attack on Pipsqueak damaging him some and Pipsqueak retaliated back. The commander now started to move towards the group. Applejack continued on fighting and threw the hand axe at the brigand that Pipsqueak retaliated against killing him.

"I think you should go talk to your sister." Twilight advised Applebloom to which she agrees

"Big sis!" Applebloom called

"Applebloom?! What did ah tell you!? What are ya doing here? Get yerself to safety, don't fret about me!" Applejack scolded

"Ya think I could just run away while yer fightin sis?" Applebloom retaliated "Ya taught me that fighters fight for what's important to them!"

"Eeyup" Big Macintosh agreed

"Big Mac? You still alive? Ah don't believe it!" Applejack was surprised that her big brother was still alive.

"That's right big bro! There's no way ah'm leavin! I'm fightin just like you!" Applebloom continued

"Applebloom, Big Mac..." Applejack was silent by her Sister's determination. "All righty then, we'll cut our way outta here together!" With Applejack on the Princess' party, the team was not going to lose since the enemy only has 3 units left. One of the brigands tried to hit Twilight. Which it collided. The commander decided to attack Flash who was aghast at the fact that there are still soldiers here

"Wait a minute! W-who are you?" He fearfully asked

"I am Flash Sentry, the Second-in-Command of the army of Solaria! Prepare yourself foul bandit!" Flash replied pulling his iron sword out. The commander tried to attack but failed and Flash finished him off with two lethal sword slashes.

"Urgh... Blast..." The commander cursed before yielding his life. The cutthroat aimed for Pipsqueak and missed. Flash managed to warn the southern village in time and got some Pure Water. Big Mac ended the brigand that attacked Pipsqueak and Pipsqueak weakened the brigand that attacked Twilight. With a mad quick dash, Derpy flew quickly and dealt the finishing blow to the last brigand, resulting in victory.

"Ya saved mah sister, I owe ya big time." Applejack thanked

"Heh... It's not really that necessary." Twilight blushed

"Wait a minute..." Flash interrupted identifying Applejack. "Aren't you... The Apple Adjudicator? The soldier of Honesty? Applejack was it?"

"Flash, you know this mare?" Twilight asked

"You fought for Solaria if I'm not mistaken." Flash continued while Applejack stayed silent then Flash answered Twilight's question

"She was a troop commander for Solaria until recently. I heard many tales about her when I was just a recruit. She was a daring and fearless fighter for Solaria." He then turned his attention back to Applejack "Miss Applejack, you must have known the peril our homeland faces right now... Can you lend your strength to Solaria once again?"

"Ah'll be honest with ya'll cause that's what I always am. Ah'm retired now, Ah don't wanna fight anymore and ah made that decision long ago, so sorry."

"Miss Applejack..." Flash protested

"When I was still cuttin heads as a soldier, ah lived mah life fightin for mah nation's honor and ah left not a single second for mah family. I have been fightin for faceless, uncaring nobles. Mah parents died long ago so I had mah granny to live with along with mah big brother and young sister, now she too fell ill and died and knowin that mah brother was still servin his duty in Lunata, making the same mistake ah did. This is how I realised the consequences of mah duty." Applejack told her story leaving Twilight as silent as ever feeling empathy for this mare.

"Ah stood at mah granny and parent's grave and promised ah would take care of Applebloom and be a big sister to her. Ah'm done with armies and ah'm done with fightin, except for protecting mah younger sister. Ah've no regrets, I'm the girl's older sister." Applejack continued on about the story of decision. Flash too, silently felt empathy for Applejack, until Applebloom broke the silence.

"You... You blasted fool!" Applebloom scolded "What is this nonsense ah'm hearing big sis? Are you even mah big sis anymore?"

"Applebloom!" Applejack was taken by her younger sister's angry words

"If yer not going, ah will be!" Applebloom vowed "Ah'm a fighter and ah can do this!"

"Applebloom, what are you sayin?" Applejack tried to reason "I..."

"Listen to me big sis!" Applebloom interrupted "Ah respect yah more than anyone else in the world, you and Big Mac! Ya gave up bein a soldier for me and ah know that! But why can you throw away a big part of yer own self? Yer a warrior at heart! You can't give that up and be happy!" Applejack was silent at her younger sister's harsh but true and caring words.

"Look at me sis!" Applebloom continued "Have you seen me fight? Ah ain't a child anymore. Ah'm a warrior like you. Yer free to worry bout me, but ah can survive on mah own!"

"... Applebloom." Applejack spoke

"Ya want to challenge me sis?" Applebloom taunted "Ah'm a fighter, the best in Idea! I ain't gonna lose to you and ah certainly ain't gonna lose to anyone!"

"... You're right." Applejack finally nodded "Ya really have grown Applebloom. Don't you agree big brother?"

"Eeyup." Was the Big Red knight's reply.

"Ah knew any simple word comes from yer gob big brother and that's fine by me! Family's together now, and we'll fight together then!" Applejack noted "Mr Paladin, if mah strength can still serve, Ah'll be mighty honoured to join you."

"Sis..." Applebloom wept happily

"I guess I was blind to mah sister growing up. She's a tough lass now. She won't need mah help. Ah've raised her the best ah could but she's right. Ah've nothin to fear and ah should fight. Ah will fight!"

"Sis!" Applebloom embraced her sister

"You were right. I have to be honest to a big part of mah life. Ah can't throw it away."

One of the villagers came up to Twilight.

"Thank you so much for your help. Please, stay the night and rest." The villager offered

"We would if we could, but there's so much to do and far to travel." Twilight replied "Your safety is good enough for me."

"Ah well... My, that is a splendid crown you are wearing." The villager complimented

"Thank you." Twilight replied "My teacher gave this to me."

"Its a wonderful gift." The villager continued "But be careful with it. Wearing such a valuable item so openly, since Solaria was invaded, things have become so dangerous around here. There are gold-hungry thieves and bandits everywhere." The villager paused "The most wicked of them are known as the dark horseshoe. They are cruel beyond words. If you have something they want, your life is worth less than nothing. They assaulted some travellers the other day, and It was awful!" He timidly spoke

"I... I can't believe such things..." Twilight stammered

"Solaria is finished." The villager concluded "Mark my words. The Crystalis empire has stolen our future. Our only hope against them was that the hero Captain Shining Armor would prevail, but rumor has it that he's on the verge of being crushed by Grado's vast numbers. Very dark days right now so travel with care." And Twilight stayed silent.

At night, Twilight started thinking about her brother three years ago.

"It's time to start. Are you ready Twily?" Shining spoke

"Yes BBBFF, lets begin." Twilight nodded

"A question though" Shining interrupted "Why do you want me to teach you to fight? I thought you didn't like violence."

"I also do not like uncivilised behavior." Twilight added "I do think that one can solve one's problems without the sword and yet..."

"And yet what?" Shining asked waiting to hear an end

"I've always relied on you to protect me brother. I wouldn't want to be a burden to you in the future. So I thought maybe I should protect myself!" Twilight finished

"I am your brother, and brother's are supposed to protect their sisters. It's nothing for you to worry about so there's no cause for concern."

"Yes, but..." Twilight protested and countered "I am also your sister. Sisters are supposed to worry about their brothers. So I would like to learn something of swordplay, if only a little. And maybe I can protect you in your time of need someday. So please, Shining." Twilight begged

"All right, all right. How can I say no to my sister?" Shining relented "Honestly, once you get an idea into your head, that's it. I might as well give in. With that smile while your head is tilted, you even still do it right now!" He chuckled then continued "So It's agreed, I'll teach you, but I won't back because you're my sister. And no complaining once we started Twiliy, understand?"

"Complain? Me?" Twilight pointed to herself rather offended "Never!"

Twilight continued on being silent until a pale persian blue pegasus purposely bumped into her.

"Oops! Beg your pardon!" The pegasus said

"Hey!" Twilight cried before the pegasus zipped away into the woods.

"Princess" Flash approached "Are you all right?"

"Y-yes, someone bumped into me is all, I was jarred." Twilight replied

"Hm?" Flash noticed something was wrong "Your Highness, where is your crown?" He asked

"Oh, my crown?" Twilight asked "Well, its...gone." Twilight went pale after feeling her mane for the crown, but it was just her mane. "Where could it be?" Twilight looked around "Did that mare..."

"I'll find her!" Flash interrupted furiously, he looked like he was ready to kill somepony.

"Don't worry about it Flash. The crown is just a gift from Princess Celestia, but Shining needs our help." Twilight comforted "I can't let sentimentality get in the way of my mission."

"No Princess." Flash strictly spoke "We must retrieve your crown, regardless of cost. You cannot lose it. Let's go, you need to hurry."

Chapter 4: Ancient Horrors

With her crown recovered, Twilight sets out with renewed determination. Passing through the ancient forest Dra'ma brings them close to Crystalis' border. As they near the town of Seramany, Twilight's fears are assuaged by the lack of troops. But never seen before terrors crawl in the shadow of the trees.

Chapter 4: Ancient Horrors

The princess' party halted for a briefing.

"We're approaching Seramany, at the border of Solaria and Crystalis." Flash informed "once we cross, we'll be in Crystalis territory and Rearvall is not far from there."

"That is..." Twilight reminded "IF we can cross the border without any trouble..." After her sentence, Twilight saw something peculiar "hey! Look over there!" Her hoof's direction pointed towards a horde of unworldly monsters, there were animated corpses of ponies and large floating eyeballs.

"Those strange figures." Twilight fearfully asked "What... What are they? Are they even... Ponies?"

"I don't know either." Flash answered "I've never seen them before." He too, was scared but curious.

In a village across the bridge, a unicorn light priestess and mage were conversing with each other.

"What have we done to cause such trials that stand before us? What's happening?" The light priestess started "Why are these abominations walking the plains when the Sacred Stones are protecting us?" The mage stayed silent.

"Twinkleshine" the light priestess continued "stay in the village, it's dangerous outside these walls. Please" she begged.

"They're revenants are they?" The mage known as Twinkleshine asked and continued "they were the vanguard of the Demon Centaur during the days of darkness. The book about the Dark History of Equestria describes these creatures in Chapter 26, paragraph 13, section 26."

"You know them?" The light priestess asked surprised of her traveller's knowledge

"Well duh!!! I'm a prodigy you know. Everything that I can see or hear, I can almost recall." She harshly replied as if the light priestess' question was an insult. "From the book, these revenants attack with their razor sharp hoofs and teeth. It's very painful don't you think?"

"Well of course..." The light priestess agreed "Be that as it may, I need to help the travellers coming through here. You should stay in the safety of the village."

"Okay then" Twinkleshine agreed "I don't mind staying here and it does seem the smarter choice." And the light priestess left the village with quick hooves. Twinkleshine then said to herself "Magic is far more powerful than any monster's claws. Not even the thickest hide and strongest armor can withstand the power of magic. I did study some swords, but magic is my forte, and is worthy for only me. I could defend this village perfectly if it was assaulted by monsters." She took a moment to pause then continued "Oh yes! As there are three different schools of magic, they are governed by the trinity of magic; just like the weapon triangle! Light beats dark, dark beats anima and anima beats light!"

The light priestess crossed the bridge and approached the Princess and her soldiers.

"Travellers!" The light priestess called out "you must listen to me! The ancient forest of Dra'ma is very dangerous! You need to head south and pass this place before the fiends surround you!"

"Who are you?" Twilight asked after the unicorn's warning

"My name's Minuette, but everyone calls me Colgate. I've been assigned to head into the forest and take care of these, um... fiends. However, the numbers are growing and growing and I don't think I could stand to them alone. I'd advise you to leave while you have the chance." She advised

"Fiends?" Twilight was still interested in the monsters "don't tell me they are the very same fiends that served the ancient Demon Centaur? That can't be true. I've only read of them in legends and fairy tales." Twilight wondered in horror

"I know" Colgate sympathised "I thought so too when I first heard of them. And yet they are here right now. This place is filled with them. I wonder how far they have spread... I don't think they're just in Solaria anymore."

"But..." Twilight continued "why are they here? And how?" Until Flash immediately pulled out his sword

"Be careful Your Highness!" He alerted "Something doth approaches!" As one of the floating eyeballs saw the group of ponies that are alive and floated towards them.

"Please" Colgate asked as she trotted towards the eye. "Allow me to deal with the monster" she pulled out a light tome with her levitating magic and chanted "evil shade! May the blessed light drive you from this land!" And swung one of her hoofs from right to left bringing a strike of lightning. For a second attack, Colgate started to release some sparks of light and prayed for a split second before releasing the lighting spell again critically blasting the eye and reducing it to ash and dust.

"Take notes milady." Flash instructed "magic attacks or healing spells depend on a magic user's magic in replacement for attack. Magical attacks completely ignore physical defence, but the magical resistance of a pony can affect the damage the magic does. A good strategy would be to use magic to attack knights since they have strong defence. On the other hand, it's hard to use magic and harm ponies that have high resistance. Pegasus knights like Derpy here are an example of a soldier that has high resistance. The advantage of using magic is that it can be used to attack up close like a sword or far away like a bow, just like how hand axes and javelins do."

"Got it." Twilight nodded as she recorded everything

"I fear that Colgate may not fight them all by herself, I would strongly suggest that we help her. Your orders?" Flash awaited

"We can begin battle right now, so let's charge!" Twilight declared and the rest of the party wielded their weapons and charged with a battle cry.

"AS YOU WERE!!!" Flash angrily commanded with such volume that it stuck fear into the soldier's hearts including the princess and stopped without any objections. After a few seconds of silence and standing still, Flash calmed down into his normal emotionless and serious self.

"Princess, I know that you like to charge and take out the enemy immediately, but take a look at them. Apart from the floating eye called a Mogall that Colgate purged, what are the other monsters doing?" Flash asked

"Umm... Nothing?" Twilight answered simply

"Exactly. We haven't got their attention yet, but once we do, we are stuck in battle until one side falls. That's why it's best to 'prepare' for our fight."

"Then what do we do in preparations?" Twilight asked

"A couple of things though two stand out the most. One is to select the soldiers for battle. We have too many in our company and although the more the merrier, fighting will get complicated with many numbers and result in unnecessary casualties. It is wise to use a certain number of mares or stallions for the fight. For this battle, 9 should be enough. You should pick soldiers that can give an advantage over the enemy.

Once you have your 9 soldiers, the second important step of preparation is to make sure that they are fully and properly equipped for battle, I'll help with the weapon, armor and item inspection too. That way, it can give them a better chance of victory.

Other than those important two, other things for preparation is to use your mind's eye and see what the enemies are and what they have, as well as to configure the starting formation of our soldiers. Last but not least, a list of support and compatibility between soldiers and friends. I have here, the list of the ponies and who has a support link with who." Flash instructed and giving her a scroll.

"Oh look!" Twilight chuckled "it says I'm compatible with you after all!"

"In that case." Flash replied "consider me not standing anywhere near you. Now select your team and I'll inspect their weapons."

Twilight has selected the team and structured the formation as Flash instructed her to do.

"Big Mac, you're taking point." Twilight commanded

"Eeyup" came Big Mac's reply

"Applejack and Pipsqueak, you'll be the flanks of Big Mac. Make sure you support him." Twilight ordered

"Will do sugarcube." Applejack replied

"On it!" Pipsqueak obeyed

"As for the rest of you, Applejack, Applebloom, Flitter and Derpy. Support the advance party or do anything else without straying from the party." Twilight advised followed by the replies of 'yes madam'.

"By the way." Colgate diverted the Princess attention "one of my companions is in that village to the south. If any of you get there quickly, I pray that you watch over her safety. It is also advisable to stay in the woods if you can,"

"We'll see to the village as fast as we can." Twilight comforted then turned to Flash who was resting and watching from the supply convoy with Bonbon. "Why should we stay in the woods?" She asked

"Forests provide cover against attacks in battle." Flash explained "the trees and branches makes it difficult for enemies to strike. There are also other terrains that can give advantages. To name a few, there are forests, mountains, gates and forts. It can be used to our advantage to avoid risking units."

"Really? Fair enough, we'll stick in the trees then. Everyone set? Let's go!" Twilight commanded and raised her Rapier beginning battle.

"Flitter, visit that village close to us." Twilight pointed out

"Ok" comes Flitter's reply as she trotted off.

"That revenant looks pretty close to the archer. I'll cover her." Colgate mentioned and attacked the revenant landing two hits but was unable to kill it.

"Let's advance!" Twilight commanded and the party began advancing ganging up on one revenant and moving from forest to forest.

The monsters started advancing and a revenant made an attack on Twilight. Thanks to the forest, the revenant hit the tree behind Twilight and she counter-attacked with two true strikes. The revenant that Colgate failed to kill aimed for Flitter. She was unlucky and got hurt by the monster's rotten clawed hoofs and since it was close up, she couldn't counter-attack.

A bonetrotter, which is the skeleton of a dead pony that can move around, made its attack towards Twilight. Though Twilight hid behind a branch, the bonetrotter cut through the branch in a single swing without any hesitation, hurting Twilight in the process. Enraged, Twilight struck back twice. The damage to her wasn't that bad, but Twilight had got the meaning that the walking dead are real enough to kill.

A mogall went to attack Colgate and it's evil eye managed to hit, doing minimum damage as light beats dark in the trinity of magic. Without hesitation, Colgate retaliated leaving the mogall in it's critical state. Another mogall went after Colgate but she dodged it's attack this time. Colgate left the second mogall critically wounded too.

The bonetrotter and revenant were respectively finished off by Derpy and Applebloom, while Flitter and Colgate took care of the mogalls and revenant.

"By the way princess," Pipsqueak asked "why did you pull Lieutenant Sentry out of the team?"

"He's too strong you see." Twilight replied "I thought I'd let ponies like you that need the the experience to have a go at them."

"Is it also because he refuses to have a support conversation with you?" Pipsqueak asked again.

"Why would you think that?" Twilight blushed

"Pardon me sugarcube" Applejack piped in "but it does look like you have a small crush on the paladin."

"Oh please!" Twilight laughed it off "it's not for revenge of not liking me!" While inside, she knew it was true.

The surviving mogall attacked Flitter up close, now Flitter was in big trouble now. As the commotion was going on, three mares rode to the top of a hillside and watched the commotion.

"Oh, my!" An pink alicorn gasped "those travellers are besieged by the ancients of evil!"

"Oh yeah! That's absolutely right Miss Cadence!" A white unicorn with a neon mane wearing purple shaded glasses replied. She had a technological air around her

"I will not let this happen!" The princess vowed "let's do this! We'll go down these cliffs and run to their aid!"

"Hold on your highness!" A grey pony with a stylish black mane spoke before they could charge "we go down these cliffs and we'll be running to our own demise." The grey earth pony had a classical air around her. "Perhaps we should find a safer path instead? One that has a gentle slope down?"

"Ah... Okay then, let's just hurry." Cadence blushed "I don't want any of these wicked beasts running amok!" And the three went to find a safer path down the mountain.

Flitter took out the mogall and Cloudchaser went to the village nearby instead. There she learnt about how dead trees and snags can become sturdy bridges and an iron axe was given as a present to whack the snag down. Applejack was the next to take point

"Take this!" Pipsqueak yelled as he drove his lance into a bonetrotter twice and killing it. Colgate focused on another bonetrotter and killed it too without any injuries to herself. After getting the info from Cloudchaser, Applebloom started whacking the snag and Twilight joined in too bringing the snag down into a handy bridge. Derpy flew above the river and made a successful attack on the bonetrotter without getting any scratches.

Revenants and a bonetrotter ganged up on Pipsqueak with no avail and got themselves killed by Pipsqueak's counter-attacks. Undead reinforcements came behind the party adding more numbers of enemies to kill and ambushing the party. Derpy went to visit the village that Colgate talked about and met Twinkleshine who was staring at her.

"What?" Derpy wondered why this unicorn was staring at her

"Your fur shows no sign of putrefaction. So it seems that you are not a revenant." Twinkleshine finally spoke

"I'm sorry, what?" Derpy asked, offended that she was called a revenant

"You've got a problem with your eyes though." Twinkleshine continued "I think you may have suffered a disorder when you were young but since this is a personal matter to you, I'll leave it there."

"Uhh..." Derpy started losing her patience and getting irritated

"I have decided to join you in battle then." Twinkleshine continued and introduced herself "I'm Twinkleshine. A mage of superior wisdom and rare ability. I have read about these revenants and they are no match for me and my magic. I am superior after all."

"O-okay then!" Derpy agreed although her head was full of complication from Twinkleshine's arrogance and ego. However, Twinkleshine does back her facts up by burning the bonetrotter close to her. Applejack cleared the main bridge for the others to cross. Applebloom stayed behind to assist Flitter, Cloudchaser and Colgate against the monster reinforcements. Pipsqueak spun a javelin before before throwing it across the river and critically hitting a Revenant and reducing it to dust.

The revenant backup charged at the back party and one aimed for Applebloom and missed her entirely. In the front party a revenant hit Derpy and with rage, Derpy counter-attacked twice crumbling it to ashes.

The back party dealt with the revenant backup and the front party started to advance towards the grotesque leader of the monsters. An advanced and stronger revenant known as an Entombed.

Without getting hurt, Applejack critically counter-attacked a revenant re-ending its life. A mogall tried to attack Applejack too, but she dodged again.

"Don't mess with the Apple Adjudicator!" Applejack taunted at the monsters

There were only three monsters left. Applejack stood in a forest where she knows the Entombed will attack her. Derpy finished off the Mogall that attacked Applejack, The back party ganged up on the last revenant and the party waited for the enemy to make a move.

The entombed did make a move towards Applejack but hit the tree Applejack was hiding behind. Applejack made her two successful counter-attacks and when it was the party's turn to move once again, Applejack decapitated the entombed with the body dissolving first before the head. The battle was over, Applejack has finished off the enemy leader and with no enemies remaining, the battle was won.

Flash sighed in relief that the Princess and her team managed to win the battle without his help and Bonbon applauded on their victory.

"You've killed all the monsters." Flash informed the princess' victorious party as he stepped out of the convoy. "Still, it's best burn the bones to ash to make sure they won't return."

"I still can't believe what we've been fighting here." Twilight shivered still scared of the monsters they have beaten. "I thought these fiends had been nothing but myth and legend."

"Oh no milady." Flash warned "In fact, these revenants are the least of the dark creatures. But they can still outmatch any normal man. We need to be careful of this enemy."

"Exactly." Twinkleshine agreed to Flash's words of warning and backed it up with evidence "there are more than those revenants, bonetrotters and that entombed..." She made a list of known monsters "there are mauthe wolves, gargoyles, baels, I'd bet any creature of the dark lore could even be walking the plains again. I guess we really are in some trouble, not even my powers can take them on."

"Is this a sign of dark days to come?" Colgate prayed to the heavens

"Just tell me in the name of all things holy" Twilight piped in "what's happening?"

"Princess" Flash advised "It would be wise to return to Lunata and regroup. In recent events, pressing forward now seems very foolish. We cannot face both Crystalis' forces and these monsters."

"Flash" Twilight comforted "I understand what you are trying to say, and I would do nothing more than run for safety. But how about my BBBFF? He is in the same situation as we are. I do know that I may be leading you, me and a group of strong and helpful but innocent ponies into great danger, but... Please try and understand Flash." She held one of Flash legs while he stayed silent for a moment until he spoke

"I understand your highness, and I vow to see you through this safely." He accepted bowing to her. Suddenly, the three mares from before ran up, breaking the moment.

"Aha!" Cadence yelled "foul creatures, beware! I, Cadence, bestow upon you the honour of banishment with my blessed hoofs of love!" Twilight stayed silent, feeling awkward at the mysterious alicorn's demeanour.

"Wait..." Cadence realised "where are the fiends?" She asked Twilight

"Actually..." Twilight answered embarrassed "we just finished..."

"Ah, good news indeed!" Cadence interrupted "The heavens must be rejoicing! But I am a tad... disappointed however. I did come all the way here to show you the splendour of my cherished might."

"Dear me!" Vinyl replied "twas a shame lady Cadence!"

"The most shameful thing milady" Octavia added "is how you dragged us around the countryside."

"Pardon me..." Twilight interrupted "but who are you?"

"Me?" Cadence pointed to herself "Since you asked formally, I shall introduce myself. I am the true light, love and glory of the sacred realm of Fugue..."

"Hold your horses! Lady Cadence, don't say anymore! Don't reveal your true identity." Vinyl interrupted

"Oh! Thanks for reminding me! I can get very careless sometimes!" Cadence chuckled "now I must ride off in anonymity. How beautifully romantic!"

"Um... Ok." Twilight awkwardly understood

"Well then, farewell strangers. Our paths and destiny may cross again. Vinyl and Octavia! Let's roll!" Cadence said farewell as she and her group ran off.

"...What was that all about?" Twilight wondered to herself.

Chapter 5: The Empire's Reach

An ominous wave of dark creatures washes over the continent of Equestria. Twilight's journey to find her brother, Shining, has grown ever more perilous. But she presses on despite the danger, her will was strong as her magic. The town of Seramany, located on the border of Solaria and Crystalis. The people of both countries have long used this town as a meeting place. It stands as testimony to the friendship that the two nations have shared these many years. Now, however, Seramany is teeming with Crystalis troops.

Chapter 5: Reaching the Empire

"Heh, heh" a young brown colt chuckled "there's a Colosseum in this town. Good thing, my bag's carrying flies." He then spotted a cleric. "Hey! Is that a cleric? Oh well, doesn't bother me. Even though she's cute, I rather prefer buying and playing games." The cleric ran into him by accident.

"Ow! Watch where you're going!" The brown colt cried

"Ahhh! I'm sorry! P-pardon me please!" The cleric turned around and as her hood came off revealing the face of a young unicorn filly with blond spiky hair.

"Just be careful where you're running off to next time." The colt replied harshly but calmly.

"Understood, I will be careful next time. I have to be going now. Good day to you." And the cleric filly left.

"Well, there she goes." The young colt watched "I wonder why she's in a hurry? Oh well, I'd better head to the Colosseum now."

Meanwhile, a Crystalis knight and a wyvern lord were talking while a wyvern rider watched and waited.

"Captain of the Seramany border guard. How are you?" The lord asked "I have orders from his majesty. There has been rumours that Princess Twilight Sparkle is making her way to Crystalis. Find her and take her under custody immediately."

"Yes sir!" Came the knight's blunt reply

"There's another thing... A traitor among the empire has fled Castle Crystalis. Reports say she is hiding somewhere here in Seramany. Do anything to find this turncoat, even if it means tearing the town apart."

"Yes, sir, General Soarin!" The captain obeyed "If she resists, do we have permission to execute her?" Soarin stayed silent for a little while, then granted permission.

"Understood! Crystalis' will be done." The captain replied "The Crystalis empire will repay their debt of betrayal with their blood!"

"His majesty relies on you Captain." Soarin added "don't misplace his trust. That's all"

"Yes sir!" He repeated and left for his position. Meanwhile, the wyvern rider whom is a cyan coloured pony with a rainbow mane approached Soarin.

"Such loyalty to the crown." Soarin noted "If only I could hold such conviction in the righteousness of our emperor."

"Something troubling you Soarin?" The rider asked

"It's... nothing, don't mind me." Soarin replied "let's go Rainbow Dash. Let's fly north-east back to the fort."

"Whatever you say Soarin." Rainbow replied and flew off.

Coincidentally, Princess Twilight and her crew approached near the gates of Seramany.

"It's been so long since I last visited this town." Twilight sighed embracing her memories. "My BBBFF and I used to pass through here whenever we go to Crystalis. I remember the friendship and harmony in which the ponies of both countries lived. Princess Celestia made sure of that and Prince Blueblood also agreed too. No walls dividing our borders, no soldier stood guard in high towers. The border town... To me it was a symbol of trust between Crystalis and Solaria."

"...And now, its finally under the thumb of Crystalis' ruler." Flash concluded

"The peace I remember in this city..." Twilight continued "It seems like something from another time. It's now gone... Forever."

"The city doesn't seem to be heavily patrolled." Flash assessed "the empire thinks that it's not worth guarding since Castle Solaria is under their control."

"Let's not draw any attention" Flash advised "the west gate there is undermanned..."

"Pardon me." A voice called from behind "may I ask you a question?" Flash turned around to see a unicorn in sage's robes

"What is it?" Twilight asked

"I was wondering if you seen a small baby dragon. Purple in colour and green scales?"

"A purple dragon? Nope I've never seen a dragon like that." Twilight shook her head

"Oh... Thank you, sorry to intrude." The sage thanked as she trotted away.

"There was something odd about that mare. Don't you think Flash?" Twilight asked as the sage left.

"She's quite unusual, she doesn't look like a Crystalis spy but..." Flash answered until he heard a loud commotion from the town.

"Catch her! Don't let her escape!" Was what Flash and the team managed to collect

"That way! She went that way!" Another voice the group picked up

"What was that?" Twilight asked

"It's coming from the town in there." Flash answered

"Let's see what the commotion is." And the party trudged carefully without detection into the town.

The cleric from before was running with two Crystalis fighters and a soldier giving chase.

"Traitor Dinky Hooves! Surrender peacefully!" The soldier ordered "come quietly and you may have the chance to explain yourself before His Majesty."

"Wait, please!" Dinky begged "you must listen to me!"

"Take her." Comes the soldier's command ignoring the cleric

"No! Please believe me!" Dinky pleaded "the emperor is not himself. You MUST be able to see that!"

"Impugn the emperor at your peril!" The soldier replied "we've have been told to execute you if you offer any resistance. But your words has condemned you!" At that instant, the border guard had surrounded and covered the insides of the town. At the entrance, Twilight and Flash arrived at the commotion, hearing everything that happened.

"That cleric is a traitor to the throne of Crystalis?" Twilight cried "This is madness!"

The cleric continued running away from the guards but not paying attention to what was in front of her, she crashed into the enemy. Dinky realising her fate was set, let out a sound in defeat and exhaustion. What she didn't know that the enemy she bumped into was Crystalis' main enemy, not her enemy. It was none other than the princess of Solaria and her party of soldiers.

"Are you all right?" Twilight asked the exasperated Cleric

"Who are you?" Dinky replied back after breathing an amount of air back

"I'm from Solaria." Twilight answered "why are these Crystalis stallions after you?"

"You're from Solaria..." Dinky wondered "Oh! I almost forgot! I have something important to tell you! It's about Crystalis..."

"Wait." Twilight interrupted "Crystalis soldiers are coming this way. We'll talk later, let's fight out the interruptions first!"

"Very well Princess. Allow me to help you prepare" Flash started "To achieve victory in this battle is NOT to defeat all enemies like the last battle with the dark creatures. Instead, we are to defeat the commander of the enemy force. It must be that armoured knight over there.

This battle would look like it requires 9 soldiers like before. You of course, are leading this battle and it seems the Crystalis Cleric Dinky Hooves here will also be joining us so that makes 7 for you to pick. I'll leave the decision to you."

"Applebloom, Applejack" Twilight commanded "you'll be leading the pack into the town's main district. I'll back you up."

"All right sugarcube." Applejack replied "stay by me Applebloom."

"Pipsqueak?" Twilight gestured "go to the back corner of the town, it leads up to that armory over there."

"Yes Madam!" He saluted like a pirate.

"Colgate, cover the apple sisters. Twinkleshine, cover Pipsqueak. Bonbon and Derpy, you will be staying behind to help out the team. Plus, there are hordes of archers out there so be careful."

"Right!" Both said in unison.

"As for you, Dinky was it?" Twilight asked "stay behind us."

"All right." Dinky nodded

"Wait... Dinky?" Derpy cried out in seeing a familiar face

"Mommy?" Dinky looked back. With joy on their faces, the two mares embraced each other with tears

"I thought you were dead mommy!" Dinky cried

"I thought you were dead too!" Derpy replied "well, now I know that Crystalis is chasing you down. I'll protect you."

"Wait..." Twilight interrupted "you two know each other?"

"Yes." Derpy nodded "she's my daughter. Dinky, this is Princess Twilight Sparkle of Solaria."

"Wow! You're actually the princess? Everypony in Crystalis is looking for you!" Dinky exclaimed

"How did..." Twilight started

"I sent Dinky to study in Crystalis." Derpy explained "the last letter she sent me told me that she became a cleric."

Twilight squealed "a cleric under Starswirl? The high archbishop of Crystalis? Oh thank heavens! You're such a lucky girl Dinky."

"Yeah..." Dinky sighed "I was..."

"Oh well then, let's start the battle shall we everypony?" She announced and held her rapier up to the sky followed with the battle cries and cheer of everyone else, the battle begins!

The same brown colt came out of the arena grumbling.

"So much for making a fortune..." He sighed "now how can I buy games!?" He cried and yelled "Mooooom!!!!!"

"You there! Mercenary!" The enemy soldier called out "what are you doing here at the arena? Get back to the staging area now!"

"Why don't we just hit the arena together? It's good training. What is the point of risking your life? Better to risk your life if it's going to get some bits!"

"That's it! You'll be reported to the captain! You'll be lucky if he just docks your pay!" The soldier threatened "remember that you can be replaced anytime and anywhere you filthy sellsword!" And stormed off

"Don't worry then, I won't forget." The colt chuckled "work is work, but I don't like fighting fillies or mares... I wonder what the rest of the day's like for me?" And flipped a bit. "Tails huh? My life just gets bad luck every single day..."

"You know, the soldiers may not want to hear what I have to say but... I have to speak with one of the Crystalis soldiers. Will one of them ever listen to my words? Grant me strength Celestia!" Dinky prayed

Pipsqueak made his way through the enemies as the team advanced. Derpy took time to visit a house meeting a white unicorn with stylish hair.

"Why hello. Did you come here to see me dance?" The unicorn asked "I'm dreadfully sorry to say that I finished a moment ago. However, I think you'll be interested in one of these items. There was a wealthy pony who gave me a small ransom in gifts after seeing my performance. You can sell it or use it to improve your skills, it's very useful. Please take one, I simply cannot carry all of them by myself." And gave a Dragonshield to Derpy "wealth is useless if you can't use it to bring happiness to others don't you think? Generosity is better than keeping it all to yourself. Thanks for dropping by, I'm sure we'll meet again." She added as Derpy left.

Seeing the Solarian/Lunatan party protecting the Crystalis cleric, the enemies started to advance. Archers fired on Pipsqueak hitting him neatly as he tried to counter back with his javelin.

"Hey look!" Applebloom pointed out "there's a vendor over there!"

"A vendor?" Twilight asked "what's that?"

"A vendor" Flash lectured from the convoy where it shelters him, Cloudchaser, Flitter and Big Mac. "Is like an armory. But it doesn't sell weapons, it sells spellbooks, staves and other items like vulneraries."

"I see" Twilight asked "and what about that big round building opposite it?"

"Ah. That is an arena milady. Anypony wagers a sum of bits to pitch a fight against somepony in the arena. Win and you get twice of what you wagered. Lose and you lose your life. However, you can choose to concede and if you do, you lose the bits you bet but you can still live to fight. So be careful when in the arena."

"Ok, thanks for the information Flash." Twilight thanked noting that some brigands decide to pillage the town.

Applejack was immediately on the scene against the brigands and she went to help. Colgate and Applebloom ganged up on a soldier and Twinkleshine and Bonbon caught up to Pipsqueak and eliminated the two archers.

Another soldier charged towards Applebloom but received the worst from her. One of the fighters in the outer wall advanced at Pipsqueak with no avail as Twilight critically countered a missed swing from a brigand. The other brigand turned his attention towards Twilight, bad mistake. The silly brigand, wounded by Applejack, yielded his life against Twilight's sword.

"Hang on..." Dinky piped up "that colt over there..." She pointed at the brown colt myrmidon. "I think I've seen him before, he was really nice too. Maybe he'll listen?"

"Okay then" Twilight nodded "we'll get him to you but be careful. He can still attack."

After a few damages against enemies and killing them, it was the enemy's turn.

The still alive brigand made a jump on Applebloom but she saw that coming and dodged some serious damage. With a true counter-attack, she split the brigand in two, but it doesn't end there. Two more enemies ganged up on her leaving her wounded. A fighter went against Twilight but she was too fast for his axe.

Applebloom decided to swing from afar to kill the fighter and let Dinky heal her wounds. Applejack had an easy picking with the archer close up but missed the finishing hit.

"Dag nabit!" Applejack cursed so Colgate decided to help. After defeating the archer, she went to cheer up Applejack.

"It's ok. Just unlucky."

"Ah think Ah'm losin mah touch!" Applejack feared. Dinky and Bonbon did their healing jobs on Applebloom and Pipsqueak respectively. While Pipsqueak charged ahead, the main party was getting ready to help Dinky out to talk to the myrmidon by clearing out any other enemies.

An enemy struck Applejack bringing her close to serious injury. With the chance, Applejack countered the enemy and since she was faster, killed the fighter in two hits. The mercenary that was hit by Pipsqueak got mad and charged with a missed hit. Pipsqueak had the honours to end the mercenary's miserable life.

"Here goes nothing" Twilight prayed as she lured out the myrmidon. Dinky helped Applejack's wounds as Pipsqueak continued charging and killing.

The soldier managed to get a hit on Pipsqueak but was taken out by two sword slashes. The myrmidon advanced towards Twilight and dished out serious damage but she was still standing. Her blessings and hopes got dashed when two new brigands entered to pillage the town.

Knowing that Twilight wouldn't hold much longer, Dinky immediately ran to the myrmidon.

"Hey! Aren't you the colt I bumped into?" Dinky asked as the colt turned his attention to her instead of the princess. "You've been hired to capture and kill me right?"

"Yep." The colt nodded "Crystalis is paying the bill and they want you dead. It's not personal to me so don't feel bad." He positioned his sword, ready to strike her down.

"Wait!" Dinky pleaded "please, I don't care whatever happens to me, but please listen to my words. The ruler of Crystalis has changed, he's not the stallion he used to be. The other nations need to be warned before he blows out the light from all our lands."

"No offence, but I'm a mercenary." The colt apologised "I don't really care about Crystalis or it's ruler. Whatever you say, be it the truth or a lie, I still don't care."

"But that's..." Dinky protested

"However... Killing fillies or mares like you would make me feel bad. Really bad." Button assured "tell me. Would you like to play a game? My parents played it when they were young." And pulled out a game machine and turned it on, a game of pong.

"What is this!?" Dinky asked in disgust.

"Playing games against other ponies is what I live for. Even when I lose, I still continue to play. Here's the deal. You win this game, I'll believe you. Ready?" The colt assured

"You can't... This is no time for games."

"Or do you want me to carry out the job I was hired for?" He asked pulling out his sword "because I'll still do it, even if it's a lose-lose situation for the both of us."

"O-okay then." Dinky agreed and placed a hoof on one of the joysticks.

"Let's start!" the colt exclaimed and pushed his joystick down. The pixel ball bounced towards Dinky's side and in a frantic, she too pushed down the joystick and the ball was reflected off the wall. The colt however, didn't move his wall back to reflect the ball and it sailed pass. The screen came up saying that Dinky wins.

"W-well?" Dinky asked, unbearable to hear the result.

"Heh heh! It looks like you won! To be honest, I still don't get this game." The colt chuckled "but it was a gift from my parents so I've been treasuring this machine ever since."

"Um..." Dinky still didn't understand

"Well guess what? I've haven't been winning anything all day. Well, now that the console has spoken, I'll be joining you and whatever ally you've made."

"Are you serious?" Dinky shouted in relief

"Well of course! I may like to cheat sometimes, but we play a game and if I lose, I lose. That's a rule of mine. Of course now that you have me, you may want to save your progress. If you had to restart the game, we'd be playing this again and this time, I would win!" The colt chuckled

"Oh thank the heavens!" Dinky praised "I'll be sure to um... Save my progress too."

"I've got nothing against heaven, but if you want someone to thank, I'm right here." The colt noted "no thanks? Okay then, stay behind me while I take care of these fools." And he pulled his sword out and went for the brigands.

As Pipsqueak visited a home, he saw a pegasus filly getting prepared to go out.

"Hope everyone's well and back home." The filly talked to herself "just a bit more, an I'll be in the empire. Now I've got my vulneraries, antitoxins and definitely not to forget the torches for when it goes dark! Great! That's everything. Now I need to head for the capital. I'll be the finest soldier that Crystalis have ever seen! I'll swear it on my wings!" And she trotted off leaving the house. Meanwhile, Pipsqueak found something left behind by the soldier, torches.

True to his word, the colt critically finished off a brigand that charged at him with superior sword skills and his Killing Edge and did the same unto the other brigand. Applejack finished off a soldier unscathed.

Colgate bought a heal for Dinky so her mend can be used later on. Derpy went to visit another house where a ponyfolk told her about life being hard as Crystalis took over. Although there are Solarian residents in Seramany, it was very hard on the Crystalis citizens. How Crystalis singled out Solarian families for the most awful atrocities. The villager couldn't take this anymore and gave Derpy a special sword that can cut through the toughest armor, the Armourslayer. Parting with a favour to cut down the border guard captain, Derpy left dropping the Dragonshield in the convoy. The enemy did nothing but a few new brigands popped up behind the captain.

The brown colt went to the arena again. Betting 720 bits, he went up against a mage. Having dodged the first fireball, he managed to take his enemy down after the second fireball hit him. With a few suffered wounds, he walked out alive with 1440 bits in tow. As Dinky took care of his wounds, the entire party waited.

Only the brigands started moving and the soldier went to kill Applebloom with nothing as she dodged his stab. The soldier was struck down after and receiving two dangerous swings from Applebloom's hatchet.

Twilight visited an old stallion who was an ex-knight. Having crossed with one of Crystalis' famous generals. He was worried that he may not be able to pass his techniques down. So he wrote them all in a book and gave the secret book to Twilight to honour him. The apple sisters teamed up on a brigand and everyone got ready to take out the captain.

The brigand ignored Applebloom and went straight for Colgate. The brigand missed his target and took the worst of the light priestess' lightning.

"Seriously." Colgate wondered "these soldiers can take over my country and yet when they're against us, they suck?"

Applebloom finished off the last brigand leaving the knight captain left.

"Enemy of the empire!" The captain taunted "death's too good for you!" As Twinkleshine prepared a few fireballs.

"Silly knight. Using brawns for brains. A pitiful existence." Twinkleshine sighed as she tossed an accurate fireball at him. However, the knight threw his javelin, critically wounding her.

"Twinkleshine!" Colgate cried at the pain of her companion

"I got her!" Derpy comforted as she picked Twinkleshine up and carried her to safety. Applejack tried her luck against the captain and managed to land blows without getting hit.

"I'll finish this!" The colt assured. Equipping the armourslayer, he went to confront the captain.

"What? You filthy sellsword! You betray the nation that hired you?" The captain growled at the betrayal

"Yeah." The colt replied "I've found a better job. So goodbye!" And with one swift slash, split the captain's armor in two. His vitals also split in the process.

"Prince... Blueblood... Glory to His... majesty..." The captain loyally praised before he fell to the floor slain. Twilight nodded at the new colt in their ranks and raised her rapier in the air. Seramany was free from Crystalis forces and the battle was won for Solaria and Lunata.

"That was a tight spot." Twilight noted after things had calmed down.

"Yes, yes it was..." Dinky agreed "thank you very much. I really don't know how to repay--"

"You're from Crystalis are you not?" Flash interrupted

"Yes... As you already know my name, I was a servant of the people at Crystalis' imperial temple."

"Then why the trouble with the soldiers?" Twilight asked "what's your story?"

"Of course..." Dinky took a deep breath and started "a few days ago, my mentor was arrested without warning. They executed him and said he was a traitor... Turns out they were false accusations." She started to get angry clutching her mend with tears coming out of her eyes. "My ruler had him killed... a holy man!... To keep him silent."

"Keep him silent?" Flash asked

"Yes. My mentor told me with his final breath..." Dinky explained carefully "the emperor plans to destroy the Sacred Stones."

"Destroy them?" Twilight exclaimed with shock "the Sacred Stones?"

"You know that the Sacred Stones are what drove the power of evil back long ago. Now our nations is home to one of these legendary treasures. One in my homeland of Crystalis and one in Solaria, your homeland."

"That's right. The Sacred Stone of Solaria is still housed under our royal temple." Twilight nodded at that fact. Flash however, had a look which shows that he was hiding something.

"The ruler plans to destroy the Sacred Stones. One by one..." Dinky continued

"Why would he plan to do such a thing?" Flash asked "from legends, they are the only thing that keeps evil at bay!"

"I don't know his motives, and I can't even guess..." Dinky answered "you know, our ruler was a gentleman. But he utterly changed one day. Before my mentor died, he said that the keepers of the Sacred Stones must be warned. I tried to slip across the border, but the soldiers spotted me."

"So that's what happened." Twilight took it all in. "What do you think Flashy?"

"Flash" He strictly corrected "we can't trust anyone in Crystalis. Not in these times and not without proof. But if what she says is true, then we cannot ignore the danger we face. Destroying the Sacred Stones is a crime that we can not allow to happen."

"I agree" Twilight nodded "If there was some reason for Prince Blueblood's actions that we knew of. I tell you, her story freaks me totally out. I hope that it's not true."

"A moment please" a citizen beckoned "are you perchance... Princess Twilight?"

"I am." Twilight replied

"Thank goodness you're safe!" The citizen praised "I can't tell you how happy I am. And please accept my gratitude for driving away that captain. He treated all the citizens of Solaria with such contempt and brutality...

"Not here..." Twilight sternly spoke "not in this city. My BBBFF and I spent such happy times here with Sunset..."

"I beg your pardon, but Crystalis will send more troops here. You need to go quickly."

"I'm really sorry that I can't do anything for you. Please forgive me."

"Do not be troubled Princess Twilight." The citizen comforted "we will survive and wait for the days of liberation to come. I know a day will come when you, Captain Shining and Solaria will all rise up. Until that day comes, we will wait unbowed and filled with hope. Take this as thanks." And the citizen gave Twilight a Guiding Ring.

"By the way." As Twilight and crew were leaving, she directed her attention to the brown colt than joined him "I really like your propeller hat. What's your name?"

"My name is Button Mash!" He replied "nice to meet you princess! Although I was hired by Crystalis, I'm actually from Mayronyl!"

"So I can assume that you are not a Crystalis soldier. Duly noted." Flash noted

"Also" Twilight pulled out the Guiding Ring in front of Flash "what's this?"

"This milady, is a Guiding Ring. This is one of the special promotion items that I talked to you about before." Flash explained "these things are rare and if there is a chance they are found in stores, they are dreadfully expensive."

"When you said that there were different ones, what do you mean?" Twilight asked

"Different promotion items for different units." Flash replied "a Guiding Ring promotes any unit who uses magic. Of course, special case soldiers like Applebloom the Journeymare can be instantly promoted into the primary class."

"Hey!" Applebloom cried "what's happening to me?"

"Applebloom!" Applejack yelled "yer body's glowing white!"

"Ah." Flash explained "don't worry Applejack. Your younger sister has reached enough experience that she can be able to change class. She will get more power."

"Really?" Applebloom exclaimed "sweet!"

"Choose wisely young Applebloom" Twinkleshine warned "from what I've read, you can choose between two fighting styles. A Fighter or a Pirate. You can only choose one."

"Come on Applebloom!" Applejack encouraged "be a Fighter like yer sister."

"I...I... I want to be... I want to be!" She decided as a brilliant ball of light enveloped her and exploded. As the light settled, Applebloom no longer looked like a Journeymare. She was wearing female pirate garb and her ribbon was tied as a bandana. She no longer had a small axe, it was replaced with two identical bigger axes.

"A pirate huh? Good choice." Flash complimented despite Applejack looking disappointed.

"Don't worry." Twinkleshine cheered "she can traverse water terrains."

"That is what ah'm worried about." Applejack said "she can get far away from the group."

"Relax big sis!" Applebloom cheered "ah can take care of mahself!" She took a moment to check her rump "aww nuts!!! I still don't have mah cutie mark!"

"In due time Applebloom. In due time." Flash comforted

"No fair! How come she gets to be a pirate when I can't?" Pipsqueak complained

"because you are a knight Pipsqueak." Flash explained "pirates are part of the sturdy infantrymare tree. You however, are part of the armoured lancemare tree. Myself included."

"Aww..." Pipsqueak sighed.

Chapter 6: Victims of War

Twilight Sparkle suppresses her feelings of unease and continues to search for her brother. Passing through Seramany, the group crosses into the Crystalis Empire. From here on forward, there is no doubt that they are treading into enemy territory. In hopes of avoiding unnecessary trouble, Twilight and her company head for a sparsely populated region of Crystalis. But it was too late, their movements have already been followed.

Chapter 6: Victims of War

General Sombra was communicating with a Shaman.

"Tell me..." He said "you are certain of Twilight's whereabouts?"

"I am. I sent some of our men to follow the Princess as she fled Seramany. They told me that Twilight and her friends will be coming this way shortly. Our ambush is ready and prepared, they won't escape this time. Like rats in a sack as they said..."

"Very good... That wretched Lightning Dust will be delighted. Now about this Princess Twilight, I heard she and her team of ponies were quite a handful. Apparently, her paladin withstood Lightning's lance. Tell me, are you certain you can handle this assignment?"

"Everything is under control. I've brought along a certain something from Solaria. It will negate whatever futile resistance they offer. Ha ha ha..."

"Heh heh heh... I'll pray that it goes well as you said it would be. Do what you must then, I must return to the capital."

"Will you not stay and see how Twilight looks in captivity?"

"Unlike two other layabouts I know, I don't have time to waste. I have a lot to do for our master. A mountain of tasks await me. My time is too precious to waste it on the likes of that royal whelp. These trifles are better left in the hooves of servants... Like you."

"Of course sir... Travel well then." As the General disappeared in his own shadow of smoke.

"Freakish unicorn. You should have watched, you might have learned something. I will capture the princess, and replace you at our master's side. You shall stew in regret and I'll enjoy every moment."

The Shaman appeared right in the midst of Twilight and company as they were traversing through the plains.

"Ha ha ha..." He greeted "Princess Twilight Sparkle of Solaria! Accept your fate, you have nowhere to flee!!!"

"What!?" Twilight jumped "who are you? And... Where did you come from?"

"You're as beautiful as I'd heard... And you're even wearing your crown. Maybe we should start there. May you surrender that lovely little accessory?" He asked

"Hey!" Flash cried in shock

"My crown..." Twilight asked "why do you want it?"

"His Majesty desires it. That's reason enough." Came the shaman's answer. "Once I present it to him, he will make me a General and I will become famous. Hand it over, do it quickly and I'll leave you alive."

"Don't do this Princess!" Flash warned

"Of course not." Twilight comforted

"Obedience will save you pain." The shaman continued "you came all this way to aid your captain Shining Armor, have you not? A foal's errand. Shining fell under the empire's might. He is now wasting away in a cell in Rearvall, meekly awaiting his execution."

"My brother!?" Twilight cried "that's a lie! A pitiful worm like you could never defeat my brother!"

"Whatever, protest all you like, it doesn't change the truth. Shining has lost and it was Crystalis who defeated him!" Twilight stayed silent after the Shaman's cruel words

"You're not going to acquiesce, are you? Very well then. Bring me the twins." He ordered

"Waahhh..." Pound Cake cried

"Ah!" Twilight cried at the realisation that two young twins from Solaria has been captured

"Looks familiar? They are a citizen of your precious Solaria. Give me the crown or the twins die!"

"No, please..." Twilight pleaded "very well. You win then, but promise me that the children will suffer no harm."

"Princess, wait. The crown--" Flash protested

"It's not worth a foal's life." Twilight interrupted "I'm sorry Flashy. Please forgive me." And handed the crown over to the shaman.

"Yes... There can be no mistaking it!" The shaman's eyes greedily sparkled from the crown "now your weapons. Take them off and hand them over."

"No." Flash objected "surrendering our weapons will tantamount to suicide. You are demanding too much of us, and we're not taking it anymore."

"Hmm... I see the peace and idleness has not dulled the wits of all Solarian knights. I guess my hostages has no more use to me huh? What a waste... Hang on, I've got a delicious idea. Have you heard of the giant spiders travelling around this region of the plains? They are known as Baels. They would appreciate a nice hot meal now. Would you agree?"

"Why you...!" Twilight objected

"Waahhhh!!!" The twins cried

"Ha ha! This shall be a delight to watch! These foals will curse the day they were born to Solaria!"

"How... How could you!?!?" Twilight cried "how can you do such a horrible thing!?"

"This is war! There are no rules here! In war, you can do anything. Anything! You curs of Solaria have lost! Your ravings mean nothing..."

"That's enough! Shut your damned mouth!" Twilight interrupted, a sense of anger and a power of rage started to engulf her.

"Wha... What?" The shaman stepped back after realising the cute, weak, timid and innocent filly was gone he knew was gone. Replaced with a determined, crazy and furious mare, no, a fearless leader.

"I..." Twilight continued "we, the people of Solaria, have long honoured our allegiance with the Crystalis empire. Now you've invaded without warning. You ravaged our land. You killed my teacher... Even then, I've told myself not to hate Crystalis or her people. If I gave in to my hate, our bonds of friendship between our lands will be lost forever. I refused to hate. Instead, I have lived for the day our nations will know peace again.

But... If this is Crystalis' true face... If you could extinguish Solaria without pity, without remorse..." She pulled out her rapier, pointing it at the shaman's neck "If that's the case, there is no room in my heart for forgiveness. Any enemy that gets in my way shall pay with their blood! And I'm starting with you!"

"Impudent girl!" The shaman retorted "do you expect your words to save your countrymen? They will not. Your beloved people will all die and so will you and your pathetic group!" And he teleported away with the twins back to their mother.

"Ha ha ha!" The shaman laughed "if you must curse someone, curse your dear Princess."

"Help!!!" Mrs. Cake cried.

"Cry! Scream! HAHAHAHA!!!" The shaman crazily laughed and teleported the twins and Mrs. Cake with Mr. Cake who were stranded near the mountains.

"Honey" Mrs. Cake cried "are we going to get eaten?"

"Don't worry." Mr. Cake comforted "someone will rescue us." And he embraced his wife and kids.

"Dang it!" Twilight cursed "I want to stab that cur through the head!"

"We all do milady." Flash replied

"But there's no time to let our rage consume us. We have to save them!" Twilight ordered

"Calm down your highness." Flash calmed "this may be a trap. This area is covered with a thick fog, we're virtually blind to our enemy. Certain enemy soldiers around here can be poised to attack."

"I know, but how are we going to see through this fog?" Twilight asked "we can't abandon these people while any hope remains."

"Well..." Flash thought "in tight spots like these, knights normally use a torch to see through the fog and night. Pipsqueak managed to pick a few up back at Rearvall. There are also staves called Torch. Any stave user can use it to light up a big area. We've bought some in Rearvall as well as some steel weapons before leaving."

"And..." Cloudchaser butted in "There's me."

"Oh yes! I almost forgot about you Cloudchaser. Thanks." Flash replied

"Wait, what's the deal with Cloudchaser and fog?" Twilight asked

"Allow me to explain" Cloudchaser instructed "ponies in... My profession such as thieves, rogues and assassins have very sharp eyes. If there's any enemy that's far away, I can easily see them so don't worry."

"Is that so? Then... Lead the way!" Twilight commanded

"I'll assign Flitter to back you up." Flash informed. "Princess, you'll need to bring 10 ponies this time and that includes yourself. Bring torches and Cloudchaser."

"Cloudchaser and Big Mac, you're in the front. Scout out any enemy you can see." Twilight instructed

"Flash, Derpy. My mind's eye can see that the citizens are near the mountain range. Get there as fast as you can before the Baels."

"Twinkleshine, Button Mash, back up Derpy and Flash."

"Dinky, Bonbon, I'll need you to light up the area when possible."

"Flitter, you'll be with me to cover Cloudchaser, Big Mac, Dinky and Bonbon."

"Everyone set? Let's teach this shaman that Solaria doesn't die that easily!" And Twilight raised her Rapier to signal the charge.

"Holy moly! There's a ton of enemies in front of us!" Cloudchaser scouted from the woods. "2 soldiers, 2 mercenaries, a knight, there could be more!"

"Look out! Stay in the woods!" Twilight warned

The soldier nearby spotted Cloudchaser and went to attack her, but do you know how hard it is to hit a thief? Even with a lance?

"In your dreams." Cloudchaser taunted as the enemy stabbed a tree and she freely retaliated with 2 neat slices. It didn't kill him though.

Cloudchaser took watch at the fort after Flitter dealt with the soldier that attacked her friend.

"Oh Celestia, there are a ton of enemies around us!" Cloudchaser reported. "Be careful everyone!"

"Got it!" Twilight noted "remember everyone! There are a lot of enemies! Try to go around them Flash and Derpy!" She advised as the party cut their way through quietly and quickly using the woods to their advantage. Twilight is a good tactician just like her brother.

"En Garde!" Flash challenged as he charged and critically hit a mercenary.

"Here, give me your sword. It will be easier to dodge without a weapon." Twilight advised taking Cloudchaser's iron sword.

Sure enough, Cloudchaser became a target, as many tried to attack her. Luckily, she managed to dodge all the hits while Button and Big Mac had one to deal with on his own.

The enemy has the team entirely surrounded, they have to act fast. Twinkleshine dealt with critically reducing an archer to ashes. Flash defeated a mercenary and took his iron blade. Derpy finished off the knight Big Mac was fighting. To protect her, Big Mac focused on forming a wall by attacking the javelin solider. With her new steel bow, Flitter shot a soldier dead with two arrows. Twilight guarded Flitter while Dinky headed for the village, lighting her way to see if no stray enemies came after her. Bonbon also lighted an area to see if there were any other enemies ahead. Sure enough, a cavalier was behind them, as well as a sneaky troubadour.

The enemies still started to attack Cloudchaser while some went for Twilight and Twinkleshine. Twilight got hit by a javelin but since Twinkleshine was on the mountains, it seemed impossible for the fighter to reach her. To add insult to failure, she flung a fireball at him. However, the enemies started to overwhelm the group. Such as the pesky healers.

Things were very crucial now. Everyone has to strike.

"Derpy!" Flash commanded "get to the citizens! I'll help the princess!"

"Ok sir! Come with me Button!" Derpy asked as she carried him along. Everyone was doing their best to take out any enemy such as Flash ending the troubadour. Cloudchaser got her sword back and was attacking anyone she could. So did Twinkleshine and Flitter. As the enemy phrase rolls over. The party dreaded that they were done for.

Seemingly, all enemies seemed to aim for Flitter. However, she dodged nearly all of their axe swings. But Derpy was getting hit by some soldiers and a knight.

Derpy managed to survive and came close with the citizens. She took a vulnerary to heal her pains. Twinkleshine and Twilight managed to free Flitter from the enemy ambush. Big Mac and Flash kept on giving the enemy a hard time and Dinky got some antitoxins from a nearby village.

Sure enough, the enemies still went for Flitter and Bonbon, especially a knight and cavalier. Again, they miss and miss. The knight persevered and continued to strike Derpy.

It was time to end it all. Twinkleshine took out the knight, Flash ended the cavalier and Flitter and Big Mac teamed up to take out another cavalier thus finishing off the main force of the army. Derpy dropped off Button Mash to deal with the knight.

"All enemies are cleared Princess." Twinkleshine reported

"good! Help out Derpy and Button!" Twilight replied

"Yes milady. Follow me Twinkleshine" Flash obeyed before picking up Twinkleshine to gallop off.

The soldier and knight that attacked Derpy turned their attention to Cloudchaser. Cloudchaser had no problem in fighting the soldier but she was having a hard time with the knight. A bael was secretly making his way towards the citizens and was spotted by the baby.

"Mommy! Daddy! Spider! Waaah!!!!!" Pumpkin Cake cried

"Crap! I've got you!" Derpy comforted carrying the twins. Button Mash joined in taking care of Ms. Cake.

"We've got to do something about that Bael!" Button Mash warned.

The bael continued to approach his meal of citizens.

"Waah..." The babies started tearing up.

"It's ok dears." Mr. Cake comforted. "It doesn't know that we are being protected by the kind pegasus knight and Myrmidon." The knight continued to chase Cloudchaser managing to hit her with the javelin.

"Dang it!" Cloudchaser cursed as she took another vulnerary to heal up.

"You shall not harm the thief any longer!" Flash promised as he caught up to the knight and killed him.

"Great! I'll drop off the twins." Derpy said putting the twins down in a safe place.

"Get the dad!" Button commanded "I'll deal with this Bael."

"I see the coward shaman!" Dinky spotted as she lit up a certain area.

"Well he better know what he's in for!" Twilight grinned readying her sword.

The Bael, his venomus mouth drooling, was ready to claim its meal until he felt something whizz past, back and forth. Irritated that his lunch was interrupted, he snapped at the fleeting flash, but failed and was given two sword slashes in punishment.

Derpy rescued Mr. Cake and carried him to safety.

"See the family to safety and help Cloudchaser and Button deal with the Bael." Flash commanded dropping the mage on the mountain "I must run to milady's aid."

"Whatever." Twinkleshine waved goodbye as Flash galloped off.

"You shall not eat anymore innocent lives!" Button Mash yelled at the Bael "So die!" With his Killing Edge, Button cut of the Bael's legs in one wide swipe and with the second attack, plunged the sword into the Bael's poisonous mouth. The Bael squirmed from the pain of the killer's edge before ceasing to move and crumbling into a pool of poisonous spit where it evaporated instantly.

"Oh. So you guys don't need my power after all." Twinkleshine said disappointed

"We'll take care of the citizens." Cloudchaser planned "go help the others."

An enemy mage tried to hit Derpy.

"You silly girl!" Derpy taunted "don't you know that pegasus knights are resistant to magic?" And threw back a javelin.

Big Mac finished off the mage while everyone prepared to attack the shaman. After dealing with a soldier, Twilight faced the Shaman first.

"No! It can't be..." The shaman cowered in fear "they've made it this far?! Grr... Must I do everything myself!?" And casted a flux against Twilight damaging her greatly. As Bonbon healed her wounds, Twilight turned to strike but Flash went first.

"Let me handle him. I'll let you finish him off." Flash remarked then attacked "you wretched cur. This is for stomping the name of Solaria into the mud!" Striking him with twice the slim sword.

"Arrgh!!!" The shaman cried with pain. One more hit and the accursed shaman is gone.

"Now Twilight! Your turn!" Flash called with Twilight turning in on the offensive.

"See for yourself! Solaria may have fallen but we will not lose! Especially not this battle!" Twilight scolded

"You insolent foal..." The shaman cursed spitting out blood "you would desert your own ponies to the Bael?" He tested "it would have finished them by now!"

"Actually no" Twilight corrected "the Bael himself has been finished by my soldier ponies! Those citizens are now safe." The shaman had his face covered in fear realising his plan has failed "now Crystalis scum! I am your end!" Twilight yelled and Plunged her sword into his head.

"Aah... Is this... the end? No fame? No... Glory--" The shaman thought his last moments before belonging where he rightfully should be, Tartarus. Twilight breathed with a sigh of victory raising her special rapier in the air for victory.

The Cake family rushed up to the Princess.

"You're safe now." Twilight comforted the twins

"Waaaaaaaaaa!!!" The twins replied with cries tears of joy.

"Thank you so much." Mrs. Cake thanked "for saving us."

"Please" Mr. Cake came up "I was once a former archer, but I stopped being a soldier to take care of my wife and kids. I have the memento of an archer right here in my hooves. Please accept it as a token of our gratitude." And he gave the Princess an Orion's Bolt.

As the family ran to safety, Flash came up with Twilight's crown he received from the dead shaman.

"Your late mentor. Princess Celestia..." Flash confessed "she ordered me to keep silent until the time arrived. However, with all that has happened, with Prince Blueblood's actions... It is imperative that I must speak the truth to you Princess Twilight Sparkle. Are you ready to hear the secret behind your crown?"

"I am..."

"As you know, Princess... Solaria houses one of the legendary Sacred Stones."

"That's right, it's in the temple being a ward against evil."

"Milady, the true stone is a ward against evil, but the one in the temple is but a forgery. The real Sacred Stone of Solaria lies underneath the royal castle. Guarding it is an immensely powerful seal that has an infinite complex lock of sorts, created by Princess Celestia herself."

"What? Is this true?"

"Yes. Princess Celestia seems to have other plans when she agreed with Shining to promote me to his' second in command. She confided in me herself. The Sacred Stones banished evil long ago and possesses powers beyond our ken. The ancient rulers of Solaria felt it prudent to seal ours away. They were afraid that people may use the stone for the wrong reasons. Without any hesitation and temptation, the keys to break the seal were hidden. One was forged into a crest of Solaria, the other was forged into a crown with the symbol of magic... The very ones that you and your brother, Captain Shining Armor, wear."

"My Crown? My BBBFF's Captain crest? How can Princess Celestia keep this a secret from me for so long?"

"'They must know nothing of the crest and crown. Tell them only if some great peril strikes.' These were the exact orders of Princess Celestia. Captain knows nothing of his crest's secret either. The Princess told me this out of fear that something might happen to him. So that, when the time came, the two of you would learn the truth."

"These accessories have such meaning..."

"Yes. And we are the only living souls who knows the secret of the Stone of Solaria. At least, that was what I was given to believe. And yet--"

"Yet the Crystalis army has made it clear that they want me only for my crown."

"Yes, quite clear at that... I don't know how, but Prince Blueblood must have learnt the secret somehow. And now, his troops are pursuing the crown, and we are no closer to knowing his motives."

"He would use the accessories to unlock the Sacred Stone and destroy it in secret..."

"Perhaps"

"Which means my brother... And his crest..."

"If he's been captured, they may have the crest already, and he may be--"

"Shining..."

"Princess, we must take that shaman's words to be true. We must hurry to Captain Shining. The enemy soldiers that have fled the battle will have reported our location by now. If the captain is being held prisoner at Rearvall... I fear they might execute him once they learn of our approach."

"You're right. We've got no time to waste. We must hurry to Rearvall! Let's go rescue my brother!"

Chapter 7: Waterside Rearvall

Rumours say that Shining has been defeated and taken prisoner. Now Twilight must find a way to rescue her brother from beneath enemy eyes. Twilight's company rushes toward Castle Rearvall, where Shining is being held. Surrounded by lakes, Rearvall is a natural fortress, all but unassailable. A lone bridge, held by the enemy, is it's only entrance. Twilight has only one choice. Twilight decides to confront Crystalis' soldiers head on...

Chapter 7: Waterside Rearvall

The company stopped at the start of the path towards Rearvall castle.

"My brother is somewhere inside that castle..." Twilight pointed out

"Rearvall is surrounded by lakes." Flash noted "the only entrance is the bridge to the main gate and it's heavily guarded. Castle Rearvall is a natural stronghold. Easy to defend and difficult to assault. We need to plan our attack carefully."

"Agreed..." Twilight replied

"Princess Twilight Sparkle! Allow me to fight beside you!" Pipsqueak piped up "my master, the Doctor, is in there with Captain Shining, Lady Pinkie Pie, Sir Discord... Let me help you set them free!"

"Oh yeah." Flash remembered "the Doctor has a part-time job as a clockmaker and fixer right? He's also made you his assistant."

"Nothing to discuss. Ah'm a fight." Big Mac grunted

"The hour of reuniting with your brother is not far off now." Bonbon cheered

"I'm yours to command your highness!" Derpy saluted

"We're with you all the way! Right sis?" Applebloom noted

"Don't work yerself up Applebloom." Applejack calmed "in the heat of battle, a good warrior remains calm when lesser mares don't."

"Anything to steal? I'm your mare!" Cloudchaser bowed "of course, my knife's no joke either."

"I'll definitely help you will allow me." Flitter offered "I'll be sure to keep a distance from the enemy."

"You'll need my genius and power in this fight if you want to win!" Twinkleshine promised

"I have still to repay you for fighting those abominations back then." Colgate explained "I'll stand by your side a little longer if you wish."

"All right!" Button Mash jumped "this sounds like trouble, looks like it's a trap. But trouble brings bits and experience! My luck has to turn around sometime right?"

"May the sacred light surround and protect us all." Dinky prayed

"Well then Princess." Flash concluded "let's prepare for battle."

"I'm on my way for you brother." Twilight said determined "let's go!"

"As from the last battle, the maximum number of ponies you can bring are 10 and that includes yourself. So pick your 9 ponies wisely."

"Apple sisters, take the front of the battle." Twilight commanded and continued to give further orders

"Cloudchaser, Button Mash, you ponies are behind the sisters."

"Flitter, and Twinkleshine. You are in the third row with me."

"Finally, you'll be at the back, Colgate, Dinky and Pipsqueak. Now, we shall take Rearvall!" Twilight cried raising her rapier in the air.

"Princess, look!" Flash noted from the convoy. He pointed at some strange looking vehicles with wheels and a large crossbow positioned on it.

"Those are ballistae milady." Bonbon noted "We have some in Lunata and are normally used for sieges."

"Seems they are positioned around the castle instead." Derpy noted "Forests and mountains."

"Eeyup." Big Mac grunted

"Ballistae?" Twilight asked "what are 'ballistae'?"

"Like Bonbon said, ballistae are siege weapons. However, these look like they are modified for castle defence." Flash replied "they can shoot further than any bowmare and are extremely powerful. Unless we want to suffer the endless rain of arrows, we should be careful in our approach."

"So what can we do?"

"Ballistae only have so much ammunition. It can make only up to 5 shots. If we could find some protective cover, we can wait until they have dried out their ammunition."

"By the way..." Flitter went up to them "I might be able to use ballistae if you want."

"You're certain about this Flitter?" Twilight asked

"Yeah! It's just like a bow. As long is it still has ammunition and that no one is in it. Just make sure no enemy gets there first, and I'll man the weapon to provide long range cover if you want."

"Remember the goal of this battle milady." Flash reminded "you are to seize the gate of Rearvall in order to win."

Applejack started off the battle hacking away at the soldiers with Applebloom and Cloudchaser while Dinky visited a house to learn about what's happening in Rearvall. Button Mash escorted Flitter to the nearby ballistae and Twilight pressed forward.

"We're under attack!" The enemy cavalier alerted "rouse yourselves! General Lightning's adjutant, Lord Bold, has charged us with defending the castle! Show them the might of the cavalier's brigade! Don't let them near the castle!" As word, the enemy started to advance, one solider went for Applebloom but failed to hit and got his life taken from Applebloom's new dual axes.

Button Mash attacked the enemies guarding the ballistae, but unluckily got hit by an axe on the way. Cloudchaser took the lead as the next wave of enemies were made up of fighters and an archer, then everyone advanced ahead.

The fighters,archer and a mage made their way to attack Cloudchaser. Out of all their attempts, only the mage gets to throw an accurate fireball at her.

"Nice hit." Cloudchaser complimented after feeling the burns "won't happen this time."

Another mage casted thunder on Button hitting him. He was seriously injured this time.

"I'll help you!" Flitter called out

Button finished off the mage in two hits while avoiding her thunder strike. Flitter proceeded to ride the ballistae.

"Wait until the main party needs it." Button advised. The main group managed to take down the second wave of fighters. For the third set, Twilight has something to say to Cloudchaser.

"There's a mage that is currently keeping her energy ring close to her. We can't get it if we drop it. Can you steal it for me?"

"Like I said, I'm a thief! I'll do the job!" Cloudchaser agreed

A nearby fighter of the 3rd line of defence spotted the group and galloped towards them. However, Colgate got to strike first and with a prayer, she critically blasted the fighter to nothing. As the party continued on advancing, Applebloom visited another house to know the whereabouts of Captain Shining Armor. She said that there was a commotion on how some soldiers were chasing something... Twilight would want to hear this Applebloom thought.

An archer spotted the advancing party and hopped on a ballistae to take fire at Twilight. Luckily, the arrows only hit the trees and branches leaving Twilight unharmed

"We've got to do something about that!" She warned everyone

The team started to hide themselves in the big forest to prevent any damaged caused by the enemy ballistae. Meanwhile, Button and Flitter were busy relaxing and sleeping the time away, waiting for the signal.

The mercenaries and mage of the 3rd line defence took Cloudchaser as their main target. Cloudchaser thinks of these grunts as idiots. Why bother hitting a thief?

Pipsqueak took the chance to run towards the Ballistae to disarm the enemy bowmare. Twilight used her teleporting strike to critically finish one mercenary, while Twinkleshine made her move on the other. Though her fireballs failed to kill him, he was badly wounded. Cloudchaser approached the mage

"I'll take that!" Cloudchaser smiled as she nicked the energy ring from the mage.

"H-Hey!" The mage cried "give it back!"

"You're going to have to kill me first!" Cloudchaser replied

True to her word, the enemy mage made a strike against Cloudchaser who dodged again. As a second move, she stuck Twilight with lightning wounding her badly. It was lucky that Twilight managed to dodge the ballistae, otherwise, she would be a dead mare.

Dinky quickly healed Twilight's wounds, but as everyone tried to hit their enemy, they failed and got countered pretty badly. Applebloom and Twinkleshine were a few unlucky examples. Without any chance of injury, Pipsqueak happily killed the rider of the ballistae in two slashes of his sword.

"I'm not done with you yet!" Cloudchaser called to the mage as her iron knife was driven into the mage killing her. Colgate took care of the mercenary.

"Thank you." Twinkleshine thanked her light priestess companion

"She gave me one hell of a wound!" Applebloom noted to Cloudchaser

"All right! We're nearly there!" Twilight exclaimed "someone get Flitter and Button's attention!"

On the other side of the cliffs, Button Mash saw Dinky's torch signal.

"They're here!" Button alerted Flitter "man the ballistae!"

"On it!" Flitter obeyed and put the ballistae in position. Ready to fire at a moment's notice.

The enemy fighter that was supposed to guard the late enemy archer thought he could avenge the archer's death and overlook his own failure by taking out Pipsqueak. Rest assured, punishment for failure is death by the enemy's sword and in this case, Pipsqueak's sword.

The enemy soldiers started to aim for Twilight. Twilight used her teleporting strike once again to critically end the soldier. The other solider, Twilight just took him out in two stabs. Apart from the enemy boss, who can beat the Princess?

"I really think the ballistae isn't necessary anymore." Flitter noted

"Okay then" Button agreed, "exit the weapon and let's catch up with the others." There were only three enemies left now. Two guard archers and the cavalier boss himself. The party continued to advance closer and closer to the castle. They were ready.

However, one archer noted and shot at Twilight hitting her neatly. What he didn't know that he was in the range of the Ballistae.

"Scratch that!" Button alerted again "get that enemy archer!"

"Ok!" Flitter nodded. Riding and aiming the ballistae, she let loose a big arrow and impaled the attacking archer.

"Phew! Thanks for the backup!" Twilight called out

"No problem!" The party was ready to cross the bridge at command.

The other enemy archer went to shoot Cloudchaser and by golly, it worked.

"Dang" Cloudchaser winced "am I getting slow?"

With the archer in the ballistae's range again, Flitter shot one more time and brought the archer to the ground lifeless. Now everyone was crossing the bridge by now, making the attack on the lone cavalier.

"Our ballistae have failed?" The cavalier gasped in shock "how could this be?"

"Simple!" Pipsqueak replied "your defence weapon became our offence weapon!"

"Grr... I guess it's up to me!" The cavalier growled as he prepared to anticipate Pipsqueak's lance, but failed to dodge. Pipsqueak however, managed to dodge the cavalier's dangerous sword and the main party swarmed the enemy commanding cavalier.

"Ok, how about a ranged attack?" The cavalier tried and swapping to his javelin, threw it at Applebloom. But axes beat lances and she dodged it without trouble.

"Now! Get all the axe users to fight!" Twilight commanded. Applejack replaced Pipsqueak's spot and with her younger sister, hit the cavalier with all their might but he refused to fall down.

"You fell for my trap." The cavalier chuckled and swapping back to his Steel sword, struck Applejack. Luckily, she was still standing but one more hit and she's done for.

Dinky tended Applejack's wounds immediately while Pipsqueak came back again for an attack. This time, the cavalier did hit him. Twilight thought she may be a good distraction for the javelin and came into his range.

Sure enough, the cavalier did fall for the trap and although he hit Twilight, he was now equipped with a lance. And there are two deadly axe users as the enemy!"

"Hah! Now you fell into our trap!" Applejack chuckled 'this'll do it. Prepare to be defeated!" And with that, she leaped into the air and brought down the axe on her opponent.

"Lord Bold..." The cavalier gasped his last words before he fell into the trap to Tartarus, where he will never get out. However, he left a Knight Crest behind.

"This is the item that Flash used to level up!" Twilight exclaimed "wonder if it will work on me? Oh well! Better seize the gate!" And she stood in front of the gate to raise her rapier up high.

The company ran into the castle after everyone managed to regroup.

"My brother is in here..." Twilight said. "Flash, let's go inside!" Until Flash stood in front of her to protect her.

"Hold Princess Twilight. There is a figure in the shadows." He explained

"An enemy soldier!" Twilight cried out, but guess who came out of the shadows? It was Discord

"Princess Twilight. And... Is that you Flash Sentry?" Discord greeted surprised

"Sir Discord..." Flash started, suspicion filling his mind "why are you here? You should be with Captain Armor."

"Are you all right Discord?" Twilight asked as she stepped forward to comfort the draconequus "if you're here, then my brother must be here as well right?"

"Yes..." Discord replied "Captain Shining and I were both captured by Crystalis forces and held here as prisoners. I just managed to escape my cell... A chance to escape-- It's what I had prayed for..."

"Discord..." Twilight asked worried "are you okay? Your face is really pale. Crystalis' mares, don't tell me they've..."

"No, it's nothing." Discord answered "but Captain... I cannot say whether he is still unharmed."

"What!?!? Where is he? Where is my brother!?!?" She yelled back

"If he lives still, he will be in one of the deeper cells, it's where I was held. Head down this corridor to the dungeons. Quickly, before the reinforcements arrive." Discord informed and showed the way there

"Oh... Thank you." Twilight thanked. Flash however, still looked uneasy about Discord as he, Twilight and the party followed.

Chapter 8: It's a trap!

Chapter 8: It's a Trap!

Discord lead the party into the main section of the castle.

"This way, Princess Twilight." Discord pointed out "Captain Armor is being held in a cell back there."

"Very well, let's go." Twilight commanded

"... Sir Discord." Flash asked "how long ago were you taken prisoner?"

"Some two weeks past, Captain Shining and I were forced to surrender. We've been held captive here in this dungeon since that black day." Discord explained

"Did you gain any news from your captors during that time?"

"Not a word unfortunately... Our daily meal was brought to us by servants from the neighbouring villages. There were forbidden to speak to us, and we heard nothing about the war. Tell me Flash, how fares Solaria?"

"... Solaria has fallen. Princess Celestia... The princess is dead."

"Dead... My princess... My apologies, Princess Twilight. I have served you poorly."

"You are blameless in this Sir Discord." Twilight comforted "we need to look to the future. Not to regret our past actions. The Crystalis army is chasing after me to acquire my crown. My brother wears a twin crest of the crown, and he's in danger too."

"Crown? Crest?" Discord asked "ah, I remember... Captain Shining still wears the crest. And Crystalis is after them? If that's the case, princess... You should entrust the bracelets to somepony else."

"Maybe, but..."

"Give them to me or Flash. Let someone you trust guard them." Discord advised "If the empire desires your bracelet, you are in danger as long as you hold it. For your own safety, Your Highness, please, what do you say? We can't allow the Sacred Stone of Solaria to be taken."

"Everything you say is true and sensible. Yet..." Twilight was confused until Flash immediately stood in front of Twilight shielding her from Discord.

"Sir Discord. Forgive me for doing this, but give me your weapons immediately." Flash sternly ordered

"Flash?" Twilight asked confused

"What are you talking about Flash?" Discord asked in confusion. "Can't you see I'm unarmed? Do you think they allow prisoners weapons? What kind of injury have you taken that you suggest such foalishness?" He jeered

"A lot of ponies hate me for a reason which everypony knows is pathetic." Flash replied "but some hate me because I punish them severely because of their false statements."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Discord tested

"If I am mistaken, then I will give you all due apologies. However, there are questions I have that I cannot answer. A lot of questions. Why were there no reinforcements from the castle during the battle outside? Our arrival in Rearvall was expected wasn't it? Why would you escape your cell and leave Captain Shining in chains? As a knight of Solaria, you would well and truly know you would rescue your superior instead of galloping off alone. You would have also rescued Pinkie Pie and the Doctor while you were escaping as well, just as the Princess told me, 'the more the merrier' so why did you leave the three of them behind? How do you know the ties between the Crown, Crest and the Sacred Stone? This secret from Princess Celestia has been only discreet to me and me only. Of course, this secret has already been leaked to the Crystalis Empire... Or were you the one that leaked them?"

"Now look here Flash." Discord protested "there has been some misunderstanding here. I..."

"And..." Flash interrupted "that scale protruding from your tail. Is it me? Or is that scale an illusion to hide, I don't know... A blade? Is that it?" Discord immediately went silent. "Discord" Flash spoke with anger rising in his voice "why do you conceal a blade as a part of your body?"

"What?" Twilight gasped

"... Very well." Discord sighed "you are oh so smart once again Flash. You haven't changed a bit at all..."

"Tch..." Flash grunted

"If only Twilight had been alone. You however, simply will not be deceived. That's kind of why some ponies hate you for that."

"Discord!" Twilight ordered "what is the meaning of thi--" But was interrupted with a snap of his fingers which caused the bridge that they crossed to collapse. "No! The bridge!" She cried

"Discord." Flash asked sternly "why did you betray Solaria?"

"My fondest wish will be granted... To spend the rest of my days in the embrace of my loving daughter once more..."

"What are you saying?" Twilight asked until two enemy soldiers and a general walked up to them.

"That's enough Discord." Bold Bulwark ordered "you've done well. I'll take over now, you may return to your beloved daughter..." And in command, Discord teleported away.

"Who are you?" Flash asked as he stepped forward to protect Twilight.

"We've never met. I am Bold Bulwark." Bold greeted "loyal and talented aide to Lightning Dust, general of the Crystalis army."

"So you're that monster's--"

"And you are Flash Sentry of Solaria yes? 2nd in command of the army and Captain Shining Armor's loyal adjutant. I thought that I would catch a small bird in my net. Instead, I've ensnared a flock of hawks judging to the size of your team. Who knew that you and your team could have come this far."

"Where is my brother!?" Twilight angrily asked

"Ah, yes. Your brother, he's not here. The coward and his duo of cavaliers fled Lady Lightning's pursuit... Somehow, he escaped the castle. And escaping other these conditions.... Tch! Such stubbornness is quite annoying. It was my cunning intelligence that led us to turn this unfortunate blunder to our advantage. I spread the rumours myself, I led the villagers to believe that he was prisoner. What better trap than to catch his sweet, bookworm sister?"

"My brother escaped?"

"Yes. But your emotional reunion no doubt, will have to wait until the afterlife. You've got nowhere to run now. Let's end this shall we?" And marched for the throne giving a command to everypony "All soldiers! Kill her and take her crown!" With that response, many soldiers and enemies flooded the hallways.

"Princess Twilight" Flash warned "we need to get out of this place now!"

"But how? You can see that the bridge is gone!"

"Blast!" Flash cursed

"I'm so sorry BBBFF... I..."

"Don't worry about it milady." Flash comforted "I'll make sure you can see your brother once more. But we are going to have to fight our way through here. 9 Ponies are needed this time. There's also some treasure in this castle so I'd suggest bringing Cloudchaser for this battle. Prepare wisely Princess."

"Alright everyone!" Twilight announced "we've got to stick together properly! This may be our hardest battle ever! Applejack, Flash, Pipsqueak, Cloudchaser, Flitter, Bonbon, Twinkleshine and Button. I'm counting on you all to stay alive!"

"Roger!" Came the unanimous response. Twilight raised her rapier to begin the escape and fight.

Flitter took the initiative by causing first blood by killing an enemy soldier. Applejack did the same on another soldier while Pipsqueak took care of an archer with his lance as an enemy myrmidon was close to him. Flash had the honours to take out the Knight and collecting a door key, after dumping the vulneraries into the supply, Cloudchaser and Twilight head to their positions waiting for the enemy's turn.

Sure enough, the myrmidon attacked Pipsqueak with his sword. Although he managed to hit, it didn't do much damage to Pipsqueak and got dangerously injured from Pipsqueak's retaliation. Apart from that, other enemies started to run towards the party in order to flank and surround them. One shaman sent a flux of dark energy at Flash, but missed entirely.

Things have been going okay for Twilight's party. But on the other side of the castle, in came Twilight's caring brother Shining Armor, Tired and beat up.

"Twilight. I hoped you would be here" he prayed "please don't get hurt. I've lost my two trusty cavalier knights as they have sacrificed themselves to slow down the enemy and gave me time to come back to Rearvall. Don't let their deaths be in vain."

"Captain." A stallion coughed behind him "we don't die that easily." Shining turned around to see that his red and green knights are beat up but still alive.

"Once we knew that the enemy was too much for us, we retreated!" Pinkie Pie added "like you said, don't pick fights that you can't win!"

"Oh thank Princess Celestia that both of you are safe." He praised

"Anyway, my Pinkie sense is telling me that something is going around in the east corridor of the castle. Let's see... Eye flutter, ear flop, tail twitch, enitre body is shaking... It's fighting!"

"Captain, do you think it's Flash Sentry and Princess Twilight Sparkle?" The Doctor asked

"All right stallions... And mares. We have two goals here: Save Twily and defeat the enemy." Shining commanded "are both of you ready?"

"Roger!" Came their synchronised reply.

"Captain" the Doctor advised "it is advisable to team up with Princess Twilight first. We can reach them by the way of the eastern corridor."

"Doc." Pinkie sighed "that seems more complicated. Why don't we crush Crystalis together with both our forces and Princess Twilight's?"

"'A lot of trouble'? Miss Pinkie Pie, you're as insolent and careless as you are crazy!" The Doctor rebuked "if anything happened to Princess Twilight, the Solarian knights would..."

"A lot of trouble?" Pinkie Pie interrupted "and if you think Discord betraying us was any better. Don't tell me you want to play safe so you could take us down easily! Are you another turncoat?"

"Miss Pinkie Pie!" The Doctor yelled enraged and started another kitten fight.

"BOTH OF YOU STOP IT THIS INSTANT!!!" Shining bellowed to which they immediately did.

"Okay, okay." Pinkie Pie conceded "I understand your point. Let's calm down, before we boil over again. But this is left to the decision of Captain Shining. So how are we going to proceed Captain?"

"We will await your command sir." The Doctor added "take your time."

"Both of you, follow me!" Shining decided. Meanwhile on the other side, Pipsqueak finished of the Myrmidon and the main party was planning on how to open the door and attack

"Princess Twilight said that there were 5 knights in there." Flash informed

"What a hulking mess." Cloudchaser joked

"How about this?" Applejack asked "Cloudchaser can use the key to open the door, then Flash, Button and ah will storm in."

"And how do you suppose I can damage the enemy's armor?" Button Mash asked

"You idiot! You have an armourslayer!" Cloudchaser reminded

"Oh..."

"Anyway, plan decided. We will execute it next turn." Flash concluded "our princess orders us to wait here."

"Why are we waiting here?" Bonbon asked

"I feel like something or somepony has entered the battle, and it doesn't feel like an enemy. That magic that the unknown force is radiating seems somehow familiar and warming." Twilight replied. Sure enough, she didn't know it was her brother as his cavalry duo was busy cutting down enemies once again.

The enemies now diverted their attention against the Doctor instead of Pipsqueak. Of course, they were no match for the Doctor and his Killer Lance. One bowmare decided to take a shot but the arrow bounced off his armor. It now seems that the Doctor does not take any damage from iron bows.

Flitter killed the shaman that attacked Flash without taking any damage while the main party assumed their positions of their siege. In other news, an enemy mage gave chase to Shining's party. Feeling that the aura of the mysterious force getting closer, Twilight did not notice Pinkie Pie gallop past her and came face to face with the Doctor.

"Oh my Celestia! Is that you boss?" Pipsqueak exclaimed

"Ha!" The Doctor chuckled "if it isn't my dear apprentice! How have you been?"

"That's what I should be asking you boss! We'd heard you were captured by Crystalis' stallions. I was so worried!"

"Worried? Dear Pipsqueak, I ride along with Captain Armor. Anypony who rides with the Captain can certainly ride away from death! But that doesn't mean we've avoided trouble completely. Hmm?... You look a bit older now. What's up?"

"Like you boss, I've completed my training and I am now a sworn pirate of Solaria!"

"You mean knight." The Doctor chuckled

"Just watch. One day, I'm going to be on par with Lieutenant Sentry!"

"You want to be like the adjutant eh? How about me?"

"Oh, I... Well I still want to be like you too boss!" Pipsqueak laughed.

"That's a good boy. Captain Armor is right behind me so you can tell Princess Twilight that."

"Alright team. Ready to strike?" Flash asked

"Let's do this." Applejack replied

"OPEN THAT DOOR!!!" Button Mash commanded. In response, Cloudchaser used the door key and the three charged in with weapons blazing. Twinkleshine also joined in the fun and 3 out of the 5 knights were neutralised instantly.

"Well done team!" Flash commended "thanks for your help too Twinkleshine. Now let's see what the enemy can do."

The remaining two knights tried to mount a counter-attack. While one managed to hit Applejack, she quickly retaliated in one critical hit. The other went for Button Mash, wounding him pretty hard, but with the armourslayer, Button landed a one hit kill.

"Oh dear." Pinkie Pie noted "it seems that the enemies we slowed down just arrived."

"Well we've got more numbers now, lets take them out!" The Doctor encouraged

Shining ran to his sister's sight once again and embraced her.

"Twily! Are you well?" He asked

"Shining? Is it really--" Twilight started with joy "you're alive! You're alive!"

"Well of course I am." Shining chuckled "after we escaped Rearvall, I thought I would land a blow on the ruler himself. When I heard that you've been waylaid by the enemy however, I turned back to find you. I guess my timing was right on the spot."

"I'm really sorry. The irony is that I was trying to rescue you." Twilight apologised "all I did was interfere with your plans."

"What is this nonsense I'm hearing from my sister? You came to help me, didn't you? Your efforts alone are enough to inspire me. Besides, I see my loyal adjutant Flash Sentry is still alive, you've also gathered a lot of strong-looking ponies of different skills and abilities. I'd say you've made fine progress on managing your soldiers better than I do. Come on, Twilight! The enemy awaits!"

"All right!" Twilight agreed readying her weapon. "Let's all regroup first!"

As the team regrouped together, the enemies came even closer. One enemy bowmare was equipped with a sneaky longbow and attacked Button Mash with it.

"Extended attack range hmm?" Twinkleshine questioned, before proceeding to burn the bowmare with two fireballs. The calvary of Shining has now fully grouped with Twilight's company.

"Lieutenant Sentry!" Pinkie Pie squealed

"Well met, Pinkie Pie." Flash replied "I never thought for a moment that you would be defeated easily. You are a tough one after all."

"No siree! And I never doubted that I would see you again!"

"Pinkie Pie... About Discord..."

"We heard it all Mr Adjutant. I can't believe it myself! But facts become facts."

"That's true. If Discord can turn his back on Solaria... Then we knights of Solaria must work extra hard to prove ourselves. Let's roll Pinkie Pie."

"Yes sir!" Pinkie exclaimed and as a joke, jumped and curled herself into a ball before uncurling herself transformers style. The party got closer and closer to the throne room while the enemies behind gave chase.

"Captain Shining Armor." Flash greeted

"Flash Sentry! You're still alive!" Shining jumped for joy

"And so is the princess. I believe that you two have met already. I have some grave news to express. Luckily, that will have to wait for later. We'd best get out of here."

"Right. We'll finish our business here, then talk other matters. Let's take it to the enemy my loyal adjutant!"

"Yes sir!" Flash saluted. Applejack moved forward to lure the three guards of the throne room out. Axes beat lances she remembered, this is going to be easy she thought.

Sure enough, the three guards charged but fell to the strike of Applejack's axe and not even landing a single scratch.

"Y'all should've learned the weapon triangle!" She taunted

"I sense mage reinforcements on both corridors adjacent to the throne room. There's one above us right now. A thief also seemed to have joined the party." Twilight scouted with her mind's eye.

"A thief?" Cloudchaser jumped "just what I need! My lockpick durability is running out soon!"

"At least give me your expendable items so that the thief won't take them. The Angelical Robe you got from the chest protected by those 5 knights is too valuable to lose." Twinkleshine advised

"That reminds me. I'll get the thief, have mah vulneraries Flitter." Applejack reminded. Once the two traded their respectable items to the other two, they were ready.

The mage north of the party struck Flash with a thunder strike. However, Flash anticipated where it will strike and dodged efficiently. The thief decided to attack Applejack since nothing was there to steal as weapons can't be stolen.

"Thank you!" Cloudchaser snickered as she nicked the thief's lockpick. "I'm done with this enemy! Somepony give him the boot!"

"Aye aye!" Pipsqueak volunteered and drove his iron lance into the thief killing him.

"Anyway, we've got a lot of injured here. I'll heal you ponies up!" Bonbon noted

"There's a cracked wall on the other side of the corridor. It leads to a locked door with treasures." Twilight noted once more with her mind's eye. Cloudchaser's eyes sparkled with joy.

"All right then." Flash agreed "the treasures may be useful for our journey. Somepony get to breaking the wall please."

The other mage proceeded to attack Applejack but missed by "that" much.

"Those cavaliers are approaching fast!" Flitter warned seeing the pursuing enemy.

Flash was the only pony who started chipping away at the 50 health broken wall, as other ponies were busy doing something else. Except for Applejack who was covering Flash against any enemy on the other side of the wall.

"Excuse me Miss Twinkleshine" the Doctor asked "can you help me take care of the enemy cavalry reinforcements?"

"Why not?" Twinkleshine asked and stood in position.

An enemy shaman on one side of a wall fluxed at Applejack and missed.

"Ah'm not just big! Ah'm very agile too!" Applejack taunted and threw the hand axe at him killing him in one blow.

Bonbon was busily healing everypony's wounds while Applejack and Pipsqueak took over to break the wall down which crumbled under their weapons. Pinkie ran first in to defeat the knight guarding the door, Cloudchaser soon followed.

"You get the chests! I got your flank!" Pinkie ordered

"Let's take it to the enemy!" The Doctor encouraged as Twinkleshine charged first and threw a fireball at the first cavalier. The Doctor backed her up and took out the cavalier with his killer lance. Twilight used her special Rapier and took out the second cavalier in two hits without getting hurt.

A mercenary went for Cloudchaser and struck her true. Cloudchaser countered with two knife slices taking half of his health. The third cavalier and mage went to attack Twilight but every single one of their hits missed and Twilight was able to retaliate and kill the cavalier.

"Area clear." Flitter reported as she downed the mage in two shots

"Same here!" Pinkie replied taking out the mercenary

"Then all that's left is the enemy commander, Bold Bulwark." Flash replied

"Let me take the treasures first!" Cloudchaser butted in.

As Cloudchaser was busy looting the chests getting a Silver Sword and an Elysian Whip, Pinkie realised there was still one more mercenary hidden in the hallways.

"I'll just do him in!" Pinkie chorused

"Then let's go, we've got an enemy general to finish." Shining commanded

"Surrounding the enemy!" Pipsqueak notified

"Hmm... My stallions were unable to finish the job were they?" Bold questioned "I guess it falls on me to show you my own special brand of power." Applejack made the first swing and hit. In response, Bold launched the spearhead of his Silver Spear at Applejack but failed to hit. Flash received his Silver Lance from the convoy to attack Bold.

"Come on Flash!" Shining encouraged as he pulled out his Reginleif. "Let's take down the general together!"

"Why you annoying flies!" Bold cursed as he tried to hit the two ponies who were swerving all around him and dealing damage.

"Let me join in!" Twilight chorused and she ducked, dived, teleported out of harm's way while stabbing at the armor's weak points revealing most of bold's body.

"Adjutant versus adjutant!" Flash pointed out as he drove his Silver Lance into Bold's leg.

"Rrrgh..." Bold tried to stand up, unable to wield his weapon and attack.

"Now for the finishing blow!" Shining yelled "wheel of fortitude!" And spun his lance around and until it became like a forcefield before flicking himself forward to critically slay the general.

"Very... Impressive..." Bold coughed "however... I expect you'll wish you'd died here on my steel. Lady Lightning is... Not nearly as merciful... As I..." Before he collapsed on the floor, unable to hold himself up and breathed his last. In the end, Twilight approached the throne and raised her Rapier in the air. Symbolising that Solaria has seized Rearvall once more.

"Shining... My BBBFF..." Twilight wept at the aftermath of the battle.

"I worried you, didn't I, Twily?" Shining replied "and you as well, Mr Adjutant?"

"Not at all." Flash replied "we are joyous that you are safe. But Captain, do you know of Discord's treachery against you and all of Solaria?"

"Yes, though I was too late to find that out, after we've been trapped at Rearvall. I still find it difficult to believe that after all his years of his service to Solaria... I guess I am morally responsible for his plight."

"Shining..." Twilight said concerned

"Shining..." A voice called behind Shining, a baby dragon walked up to him.

"What is it Spike?" Shining asked

"Something's coming... It's drawing very near... Dark stuff... Really big... And great in number."

"Understood. I guess we should get out of here." Shining advised

"Wait... BBBFF, who is that behind you?" Twilight asked "he's purple, and he has green spikes. That sage back at Seramany... She said that..."

"That's a long story." Shining interrupted "we have to move now. We can just say that Prince Blueblood has enlisted some... Powers that are not from this world. We must warn everyone of this danger."

A New Journeigh

The combined group left Rearvall and travelled all the way back to castle Lunata. Twilight stood for a moment in silence as they reached Seramany.

"What's wrong Twily?" Shining asked "Is it about our memories here together with Princess Sunset Shimmer?"

"That's right. The last time we saw her was a year and a half ago." Twilight replied

"Right." Shining agreed "it was at Crystalis Keep... Wait... Was that only a year and a half?" As both experience a flashback 1 and a half years ago back in Seramany, not Crystalis Keep.

"Shining! Sunset!" Twilight called out "where are you two?"

"We're over here Twilight!" Came the reply of Sunset Shimmer "you'd better hurry, Shining says he's tired of waiting."

"Oh please." Twilight chuckled "I'm sure you can wait a few moments longer..." And she galloped over to the exit of the town as fast as she can.

"You're late." Shining noted "how does it take you so long to prepare for such a simple trip?"

"Calm down Shining." Sunset Shimmer calmed "there's no need to be so impatient with your own sister. After all, a ruler must learn to treat mares with honour and discretion. That's what father Starswirl says."

"Thank you Sunset. Unlike my brother here, you certainly know how to properly treat a lady." Twilight joked "I was up far too late thinking about my prayer to the temple flame last night. And I'm afraid... I overslept..."

"Your prayer?" Shining asked "what are you babbling about?"

"Come on Shining, you know that flame has been burning since the time of darkness ended." Sunset explained "you must know the story that the flame will answer the prayers of any pilgrim!"

"Really? I didn't know that..." Shining said embarrassed giving a sheepish look.

"Father Starswirl is going to scold you for neglecting your studies so." Twilight puffed "why can't you read books and study like I do?"

"Don't joke about that." Shining retorted "anyway, what have you decided to pray for, Twilight?"

"I, uh..." Twilight started "it's a secret."

"I should have known. You're really boring. You'll never get any coltfriends if you continue on with that attitude." Shining joked

"Hey! Don't joke about that!" Twilight retorted "you don't have any marefriends either!"

"How about you Shining?" Sunset asked

"Me? Well... I guess I'll pray to become a stronger fighter."

"That's pretty much like you Shining."

"Definitely like you BBBFF." Twilight agreed

"I really can't tell if both of you are complimenting me or mocking me." Shining wondered out loud due to concern

"Praising you, of course! Right Twilight?" Sunset laughed

"Hee hee... That's right." Twilight nodded

"And you Sunset? What will you pray for?" Shining asked

"What? Me? Um... What I really want is for all our ponyfolk to be happy."

"That's very... Um... That's very much like you." Shining started

"Very much so Sunset." Twilight agreed

"... Now I'm the one that can't tell if I'm being praised or..."

"You're being praised as always, Sunset." Shining interrupted

"By the way, why did you suddenly want to visit the temple?" Twilight asked "Did Shining do something again?"

"Hey, I..."

"Oh no. It's not what he has done, but what he hasn't." Sunset answered "he's learnt nothing at all about the Sacred Stones or the temple flame so..."

"Father Starswirl became very angry." Shining finished "he said 'one destined to become ruler and watch over a nation, must know the history of the nation and must respect the Sacred Stones.' Ever since I came to Crystalis, my life has been chastisement and castigation. Father Starswirl does not think of me altogether... Ruler material."

"And yet General Cheerilee has nothing but praise for you, Shining." Sunset reminded the good things "she says you're brave and true, that you have the makings of a great ruler."

"A great ruler? I have honestly no idea what that means. Twilight should succeed the throne. I would be happy simply travelling around the land with my lance by my side as a captain or even a mercenary."

"Shining." Twilight scolded "that is nothing but foalish, irresponsible romanticism! Do you realise how much your words could fill Princess Celestia's heart with grief!?"

"Are you sure we're speaking of the same mare? Princess Celestia is going to outlive us all. She is immortal! I'm just content with learning the lance from General Cheerilee for now. What about you Sunset? Is there anything that you want to do?"

"Me? Well, I... I suppose I want to become like my teacher." Sunset replied

"You were born to be the ruler of Crystalis Sunset, It suits you." Twilight complimented

"I don't really think so. I'm not... One thing I do know from watching my teacher is that being a ruler is hard. Every day, he always answers the complaints of his people, and he almost never sleeps... My teacher is always very tired. I just hope that one day... I hope that I can help him."

"Sunset, you are so honourable. You should learn from her, brother." Twilight complimented

"I don't want to learn how to become a lady! I'm a stallion! Oh, you and your criticism! Tell me Twilight, how about you dress like me and become the ruler in my stead? You're so tender that I doubt anyone would notice that you're not really a stallion." Sunset gave a small laugh after Shining's comment.

"Shining!" Twilight replied offended

"What do you think Sunset is doing now?" Twilight asked after the flashback. "When Prince Blueblood ordered the invasion, how do you think Sunset felt?"

"She's always been so gentle, but she worships her teacher. She'd never question him." Shining replied "but the Prince... He's clearly not behaving rationally. I just hope that he's not so far gone that he would even hurt his own flesh and blood."

"I just pray that the three of us can be together once again." Twilight hoped

"It'll come, I've no doubt..." Shining cheered as they left Seramany.

"Twilight! Shining! Welcome!" Princess Fluttershy greeted the royal siblings with open hearts as they entered the borders of Castle Lunata. "The two of you returning together, it's like a dream come true. I've prayed everyday for your safest return."

"I'm really happy to see you to Fluttershy." Twilight returned the greetings

"I'm sorry Fluttershy, I didn't want for you to worry." Shining apologised

"Don't worry, it doesn't matter anymore... What really matters is that we are brought together again. My own stepsister will be returning from the field soon." Fluttershy noted "it will be nice to sit down and discuss things again. Um... That is... If you really want to talk to her Shining." As she realised the relationship between Shining and Lyra.

"Princess Fluttershy!" A Lunatan guard called "Princess Lyra has returned from the front!" As the guard escorted the unicorn with a harp as her cutie mark.

"Stepsis! Welcome home!" Fluttershy greeted "I'm so happy to see you return safe and sound!"

"Well, you didn't expect less of me now did you?" Lyra replied "do you really think the slugs of Crystalis could touch me? With my bow, I'll take down every Crystalis soldier from here all the way to the prince's palace!"

"Well met, Lyra." Shining greeted

"... Shining." Lyra greeted back sternly

"It's good to see you too, Princess Lyra." Twilight greeted

"... They say Solaria has fallen." Lyra continued "I believe I warned you before. This wouldn't have happened if you didn't give Crystalis the opportunity to strike."

"Stepsister! Watch your words! There is no occasion for such harsh words!" Fluttershy scolded "Twilight and Shining had lost their Princess to this terrible war."

"... I'm sorry to hear of your Princess' death." Lyra apologised "listen to me Shining. Our most important task is to defeat Crystalis and end this war." And with that, she left the room

"Oh, Lyra..." Fluttershy sadly remarked at her stepsister's arrogance and rudeness "I'm sorry, Twilight, Shining."

"It's all right. It's comforting to see that she hasn't changed after all this has happened." Shining replied "Lyra has hated me for as long as I can remember."

"It's just that she looks upon you as a rival, Shining." Fluttershy explained "and you know she wants to be the best at everything. Since she wants to have hands and all. The best ruler, general, fighter, mare... The best at almost everything! And she won't allow herself to be beaten."

"Fluttershy, you talk too much." Lyra yelled from afar

"... My teacher would like both of you to sit with her in a war council." Lyra instructed as she came back into the room. "Will you come with me to take part in your official audience?"

"Yes, of course." Shining replied "there's much that I have to tell her."

"It will be our honour to attend." Twilight added

"This way." Lyra gestured

"It does our heart good to see you all safely within our castle walls." Princess Luna boomed at the war council "we would had have more time for pleasantries, but let us hear your news."

"I'll start then." Lyra began "I've directed the body of Lunata's army south to engage Crystalis directly. Our troops are proving themselves superior, and the battle progresses favourably."

"Hmm..." The Princess thought "but the riddle still needs to be answered. Why did Crystalis begin this war in the first place?"

"Your Majesty." Twilight replied "we may well have found something that could answer the question... On our travels, we have learnt some news that weigh heavily upon us."

"Right." Luna nodded "our messenger has delivered your report to us a few days ago. Crystalis wants to destroy the Sacred Stones. Is that it?"

"Yes." Came Twilight's reply

"We have strengthened the tower's defences. Lunata's stone will be safe for the time being." Luna comforted "but we remain confused in this. What does Crystalis hope to gain by destroying the Sacred Stones?"

"We don't know." Twilight answered "the legend says that the Sacred Stones protect us all from the power of darkness.

"...I can't say that it relates, but I have a story about Crystalis." Shining piped up "it's... It's been troubling me, and I would like to share it with you all. Spike, can you come here?"

"Yeah?" Came the small dragon's reply

"Who's this dragon?" Luna asked

"I really don't understand... How do you know something about Crystalis?" Twilight asked "who is he Shining?"

"This is Spike. I met him while I was fighting in Crystalis territory." Shining introduced "would you please tell everyone the story you told me?"

"Sure." Spike agreed "... On second thoughts, you tell them."

"He's a shy dragon." Shining explained "anyway, Spike here is born from a race we commonly know as dragons. This baby dragon however, his type was mentioned in a few legends. Dragons like him are one that can not only transmit messages but can also grow very large due to their greed. They're known to also drive back the dark forces."

"Dragons that drive back the dark forces?" Twilight asked "I just thought they didn't care about the commotion in the pony world."

"I remember." Luna started "their names appear several times in the tale of the Sacred Stones. They were neither pony, nor demon. But a separate aloof race."

"C'mon Spike." Shining pleaded

"Okay then... My race lives in the east. The Everdark woods. One day..."

"Yes?" Twilight asked him to continue

"We felt something. An ominous energy to the south."

"From the direction of Crystalis." Shining explained "they felt a... Force flowing out of the Crystalis Empire."

"Amethyst and I... We went to investigate this energy. But on our way, we came across a battle and were drawn into the conflict..."

"She then got lost and was wandering aimlessly in an isolated region near Crystalis' border." Shining finished

"I met some wicked folk there. They deceived me and enchained me." Spike continued "they stole my dragon gem, and were preparing me for transport. That moment was when Shining came and rescued me." Twilight stayed silent at that story whether if to believe it or not.

"I stumbled across Spike by chance when Crystalis' men had ambushed us." Shining defended "Everything he told me seemed beyond belief. And yet... When I saw that he was one of the legendary dragon race, what could I do but believe?"

"This dark wave of energy is still flowing from the southlands." Spike informed. "The current is strong and it runs very deep. It has awakened the evil ones. I must stop it."

"Hmm..." Princess Luna thought until another guard broke her train of thought.

"Your majesty! I bring word!"

"What is so urgent that thou would interrupt a private council?" Luna replied agaitated

"The tower holding the Sacred Stone of Lunata... The Crystalis' army has destroyed it!"

"What!?" Luna cried in horror "that is impossible! The soliders on the watch. Their numbers are colossal..."

"The enemy forces..." The guard explained "they were lead by Gilda the Eagle Talon and The Great and Powerful Trixie! Our soldiers have fallen before even 12 hours!"

"The Great and Powerful Trixie..." Flash wondered "strange... Only General Cheerilee is higher in Prince Blueblood's esteem... She's the one."

"She came personally..." Luna guessed "so they really do wish the Sacred Stones destroyed. Blast..."

At the Brightmoon Tower, the Lunatan forces were being overwhelmed by Gilda and her soldiers as they scale towards the top. As Gilda, Trixie and their soldiers reached the summit, Gilda crushed the Stone of Lunata with her own claws.

"So this hunk of rock is a Sacred Stone?" Gilda asked "why the fuss over a fragile thing such as this? It crumbles so easily in my claws. Do we get anything from this? Not that I care or anything, but... " She stopped halfway to see a knight tried to climb his way towards her so she walked up.

"You... Black-hearted... Fool... What have... You... Done?" He coughed "without... The stone's... Protection... The horrors... Will spread..."

"Still breathing huh?" Gilda ignored "If you have any last words, I'll hear it. You Lunatan loser."

"You... Monster..." He breathed

"That it? Seriously? Last words on your insults? Really pathetic ones too. That's hardly the way to enter the heavens above don't you know? Oh well... Die." She shrugged and critically brought down the axe on the knight's head.

"Stop!" Trixie ordered "our job was to destroy the Sacred Stone! What are you doing Gilda!?"

"I know that!" Gilda replied "I crushed it too. Can't you see? Or does 'The Great and Powerful' need glasses? Besides, if we don't clean up these Lunatan curs, they could--"

"Silence! You do no raise your blade to anyone who is powerless to resist you!" Trixie interrupted "the Prince does not want us to kill without cause. That's black-hearted murder!"

"Right... The Prince..." Gilda remembered "your name's Trixie was it? Tell me, why should I think that a word from that pasty-old fool is so important?"

"You dare insult His Imperial Majesty!?" Trixie glared

"And I thought you were just a one-mare show master. But hey, that's just a joke. Don't get so worked up. I know you're a loyal soldier. So I'm leaving before Lunata sends reinforcements. You're coming?"

Trixie still glared at her, but nodded.

"How can this tragic fate befall us?" Luna cried "how could we have allowed our Sacred Stone to be destroyed? These dark energies roaming the capital... Evil fiends and behemoths roaming our lands... Blueblood's mad invasion... Now our destruction of our treasured and sacred talisman. We have certainly not a thought of Crystalis' goals. We are certainly in dark times once again. However, we cannot sit here, shaking our hooves in fear." Then she stood up determined "everypony!" She announced "we must warn the nations that house the remaining Sacred Stones! If Blueblood seeks to destroy the stones, they are all in grave danger. Mayronyl and Fugue must be warned this instant! The nations must band together to fight our common foe."

"Do you think they'll believe us?" Twilight asked

"Hmm... A tale like that is very difficult to believe..."

"I'll go Princess." Lyra volunteered.

"Lyra?"

"A direct visit from the Lunatan Princess' protege is something that they cannot ignore." Lyra explained "I will travel to Mayronyl, and attempt to forge an alliance with the Queen or Game Mistress as the ponies call her. If our Sacred Stone has been destroyed, Lunata will be in greater danger. I cannot let you leave the nation in a time of dire straits Princess. It is imperative that I will be the one to go."

"Hmm..."

"And I will head for Fugue." Twilight volunteered.

"Twilight?" Shining protested "you know I can't let you put yourself in such danger."

"Don't worry my BBBFF." Twilight comforted "I can journey to Fugue via the North Sea on a ship, no danger is guaranteed on my book. Besides, I have made a vow. I will continue to fight as you have until our nation of Solaria is liberated."

"... I understand." Shining withdrew his objection, if it comes to facts and knowledge, he knew his younger sister would win.

"Princess Luna." Shining started "I will take troops and march towards the imperial capital from the west."

"The West!?!?" Luna jumped "does thou say thou would make an assault on Crystalis from there?"

"If we take Crystalis Keep, the war will be over and Crystalis will be safe." Shining explained "if we start here and press forward with all our might..."

"And once you reach the capital?" Luna interrupted "then Blueblood's generals will be waiting for you."

"We'll fight them if they oppose us." Shining answered

"Thou definitely have your Princess' foolhardy courage, does thou? Very well, we will entrust all our hope unto you three. Lyra, be mercury, set feathers to thy hooves and fly like thought to Mayronyl. Twilight, thou shalt travel to Fugue and Shining to the imperial capital. Thou will have funding of 10,000 bits, but we have only but a few soldiers to spare. A difficult road awaits for the three of you."

"If any of us meets with defeat, the battle will go to Crystalis' favour. No errors can be made, and we must not fail." Shining warned

"There are no mistakes on where I command." Lyra boasted

"I'll make sure I'll succeed. I'll swear on it." Twilight promised

"Pinkie-Swear on it!" Pinkie Pie corrected as she jumped in out of nowhere.

"Pinkie Pie..." Shining shook his head.

"Ok..." Twilight awkwardly stood "never mind that. Let's go!"

"Love you, my BBBFF. I promise that I will return." Twilight waved goodbye

"Mm..." Shining thought and giving a signal to stop Twilight before she could go. "To be honest... I still don't want you to go. I'd rather you wait here for my return."

"Please Shining..." Twilight pleaded "I will be fine. There is no need for you to worry. My task is the easiest, and I will be in no danger. Besides, I'm far more worried about yours. Challenging the might of the empire with a handful of ponies?"

"Have you lost your faith in me?" Shining replied smiling, though he was a little offended

"Of course not." Twilight chuckled "I know how strong you are Shining. No pony could ever defeat you."

"Ha ha!" Shining laughed "hearing you say that fills me with confidence. Don't worry, I know my own limitations. Even I'll admit that I have them. I won't overextend my reach. I can't die and leave you lonely now, can I?"

"Shining..."

"Let us both survive to be reunited once more." Shining promised "do you promise?"

"I promise." Twilight agreed

As you know in the game, the siblings will now split apart to fulfill their given tasks, but what happens in the game will not happen in this story. The paths of Twilight Sparkle and Shining Armor will be published together, chapter by chapter. You don't have to stick to one story path, feel free to read each story path one by one. The two story paths will be put back together in a certain chapter.

Here is the Character List for Twilight's journey, present and TBA. It will differ from Shining's:

Eirika=Twilight Sparkle

Ephraim=Shining Armor

Seth=Flash Sentry

Franz=Pipsqueak

Gilliam=Big Macintosh

Moulder=Sweetie Drops/Bonbon

Vanessa=Derpy Hooves/Ditzy Doo

Ross=Applebloom

Garcia=Applejack

Neimi=Flitter

Colm=Cloudchaser

Artur=Minuette/Colgate

Lute=Twinkleshine

Natasha=Dinky Hooves

Joshua=Button Mash

Kyle=Pinkie Pie

Forde=Doctor Whooves

Tana=???

Amelia=???

And here is the Character list for Shining's journey, present and TBA. It will differ from Twilight's:

Eirika=Twilight Sparkle

Ephraim=Shining Armor

Seth=Flash Sentry

Franz=Pipsqueak

Gilliam=Big Macintosh

Moulder=Sweetie Drops/Bonbon

Vanessa=Derpy Hooves/Ditzy Doo

Ross=Applebloom

Garcia=Applejack

Neimi=Flitter

Colm=Cloudchaser

Artur=Minuette/Colgate

Lute=Twinkleshine

Natasha=Dinky Hooves

Joshua=Button Mash

Kyle=Pinkie Pie

Forde=Doctor Whooves

Tana=???

Amelia=???

Hope you have enjoyed the story up to this point! Because there will be some more surprises during the chapters!

Chapter 9 T.S: Distant Blade

"Hey Princess!" Pinkie Pie called out

"Are you leaving soon?" The Doctor asked

"Yes." Twilight nodded "I'm travelling to Fugue. I hope that both of you would serve and protect my brother well."

"Actually milady, there has been a slight change of the captain's plans." The Doctor corrected

"We've been told to go with you instead!" Pinkie finished "Isn't that fun?"

"What? But..." Twilight protested

"Lunata's finest will ride with Captain Shining." The Doctor explained

"Personal orders madam! From the Captain himself!" Pinkie repeated "he said, 'I really appreciate you sticking with me, but I want you to travel with Twilight this time. Who knows what will happen? Besides, I don't need you loafing around.' Seriously? Battling all of Crystalis is what he considers for us as 'loafing around'? Well I say!!!"

"Please don't copy me Miss Pinkie." The Doctor snapped "I've seen better, and your impression hardly cuts it."

"But she's right!" Twilight agreed with Pinkie "my brother's mission is far more dangerous than mine. I'll go and speak with him before he leaves..."

"But orders are orders milady!" Pinkie Pie interrupted blocking the Princess' way "he's not concerned for his own safety anyway! Our Captain gave us those words. To us, he really means it!"

"That is nothing but the honest truth." The Doctor supported "there is no need to worry Princess Twilight. We can all attest to the Captain's tenacity. No matter how close death comes, I am sure the pale horse will not catch him."

"Pinkie Pie, Doctor..." Twilight started "I understand. Thank you for your service and bravery, you have my permission to travel with me and my companions. You are my brother's most trusted and valiant companions after all. I'd be nothing but honoured."

"Oh no milady." The Doctor bowed "the honour is ours."

"We ride for Solaria and Princess Twilight!" Pinkie Pie jumped

"Then I'll be depending on both of you!" Twilight winked

"Madam." Flash reported after they left Lunata, "the Brightmoon Tower that has housed the Sacred Stone of Lunata is now home to many dark monsters after the Crystalis' ponies has conquered it. Although the Sacred Stone is gone and replaced with endless monsters, there are also endless treasures held inside most of the tower floors and it also provides endless training for our ponies. That's not all, scouting reports show that big groups of dark creatures are also appearing around Equestria and we may get caught in a skirmish with them. If things are going poorly and if we are at the risk of losing our friends, we can call a retreat. Our friends are worth more than honour in the battlefield."

Instead of continuing on to the port, the entire team went through a long montage of training against the dark creatures in the tower or any area that was infested with monsters.

"Entombed are very hard to kill." Twinkleshine explained during training "they have a lot of health, but they give out so much experience, its completely worth it." Each training was very risky and had a high chance of losing a lot of valuable units to the endless spawn of gargoyles, mauthe wolves, tarvoses and the like, but what they got in return was worth it. Some bits, and sometimes, spare and brand new weapons like a hammer. After a few days of hardcore suicidal training, it was time to go. So Twilight and her friends decided to head of to the port of Bitland to take a boat to Fugue.

Twilight chooses to travel by sea to the theocracy of Fugue. Her ship searching leads her to port Kirin of Bitland. Now Bitland is a young nation run by a council of merchants and is a close ally to Lunata. The council leader Hoity Toity, a staunch opponent of the imperialistic actions of Crystalis, has pledged support to Lunata in this conflict. Princess Lyra also intends to pass through Bitland on his way to Mayronyl. Twilight believes that there is nothing to fear in Bitland, but she is wrong...

Chapter 9: Distant Blade

In Crystalis Keep, Prince Blueblood has held another meeting with his six generals.

"Lunata's Sacred Stone has been destroyed." Blueblood addressed "and yet you still cannot locate the Stone of Solaria. Soarin, Lightning Dust. Find the 2nd princess and captain of Solaria, the two siblings. Find them and take the crown and crest that they wear respectively. Soarin, go for Twilight. Lightning, go for Shining, find them and conquer them."

"Yes Your Majesty..." Soarin obeyed

"Ha ha... Twilight huh?" Lightning snickered "what a ripe little plum. And her brother Shining, he's better prey than I'd imagined. I can feel my blood rushing at this thought. This is going to be fun after all." And the two wyvern generals left.

"Gilda, Sombra." The prince continued "shatter the remaining Sacred Stones. Gilda, take Mayronyl, Sombra, take Fugue. Go and crush the Sacred Stones they house."

"Heh heh heh... As you will..." Sombra obeyed "I'll begin making arrangements for Fugue's downfall immediately."

"Ugh! Why am I stuck with Mayronyl again!? Bad cursed luck. I became a mercenary to escape that forsaken place and now I have to go back!?" After the grumbling, the two generals head off.

"Cheerilee." The prince directed his attention to his Great Knight "go to Lunata. Take on the Lunatan army and punish Shining. Trixie." He directed his attention to the Mage Knight. "Remain in the Capital. I'll have new orders for you soon."

"Yes sire..." Trixie bowed

As Twilight's party was heading for the port, a pegasus flew to them at high speeds.

"Twilight! Wait!" The pegasus called as she swooped down to land next to the Princess.

"Fluttershy? What are you doing?" Twilight was surprised at the 2nd princess of Lunata's arrival and her closest friend "I thought you were supposed to stay at the palace."

"S-Sorry..." Fluttershy apologised "I-Its just that you left so abruptly, without telling me or saying goodbye... You and Shining have just arrived, and now both of you leaving immediately for another quest? Guess what Twilight. As a closest friend to you, you're not going into any dangerous stuff, not without me."

"Does Princess Luna know of this?"

"She'd would always say 'We forbid you to go on this foalish errand.' So of course, she doesn't know at all. I'm just really worried about you Twilight."

"Thank you Fluttershy. I appreciate your concern but Princess Luna would..."

"You, Shining, my stepmother and stepsister... All of you are fighting together for a noble cause. I may not look like it, but I cannot be left out and I will not be left out. Who knows? It may be fun."

"Yay!" Pinkie cheered after hearing the word 'fun'.

"Anyway, please Twilight." Fluttershy pleaded

"...Oh dear..." Twilight sighed "all right. I could never refuse you anything. C'mon, let's go Fluttershy."

"Thank you Twilight!"

"Your highness." Flash reported "we have reached Port Kirin. If we can find passage across the North Sea, we will reach Fugue in 10 days."

"Smells like the tides... This is a busy place, is it?"

"Yes milady. It's a trade center. Ponies of all nations pass through here."

"So this is the sea..." Pipsqueak watched amazed "it's beautiful!"

"Isn't it Pipsqueak?" Flash chuckled "I did promise you after all!"

"Thanks Flash! You're not just the best soldier in all of Solaria, but you're a great friend!"

"Aww... You're making me blush..." Flash chuckled "anyway Princess, don't become so enthralled with the sights and sounds that you forget your mission."

"Of course! I'm a mercenary named Lovestruck after all!" Twilight remembered "I'm travelling to Fugue for a commission."

"Well then Lovestruck" Flash gestured "let's find a boat that can get us across to Fugue, the docks are this way."

"Hm?" Twilight was distracted for a moment.

"Is something amiss?"

"that mare over there..." Twilight pointed "is that?" She finished mid-sentence to see that the mare was the pink alicorn they bumped into back at the time where they first encountered the ancient horrors. The alicorn and her two mare companions are busily munching down on some bakery treats as they trotted along.

"Wow! These dainty sugar pastries are delightfully delicious!" Cadence exclaimed

"scrumptious. Delightfully scrumptious." Octavia corrected and munched on her own pastry.

"So much flavour without being overwhelming..." Cadence continued "so refined without being banal..."

"Oh yeah! You're absolutely right Lady Cadence!" Vinyl agreed as she munched down on hers.

"You look familiar..." Twilight noted as she made herself present.

"Oh!" Cadence jumped and paused from eating to look at the small purple pony before her. "Aren't you..."

"I'm sure we've met before." Twilight reminded "you arrived with your companions when we encountered those creatures... Your name was Cadence, was it not?"

"Meeting so soon once again!?" The alicorn gasped as she remembered "what a wonder and a pleasure! This certainly is providence!"

"The only thing that the divine has ever provided you is bad luck!" Octavia retorted

"Oh, and if you have not tried one of these pastries, I suggest you should." Cadence continued "these are also divine. Would you like one?"

"Uh, sure thank you..." Twilight nodded as she took one and stopped midway "no, wait... That's not why... We're just on our way to the theocracy of Fugue. We're in a rush and we needed to find passage on a ship."

"Oh. I'm sorry to say this dear, but none of them will assist you. There are no ships that are leaving port." Cadence apologised

"Sorry?" Twilight gasped

"See, I'm also going home once more to my beloved Fugue as well! I'm also well known around here with the powers-that-be-here in Port Kirin. So I ordered them to have the finest ship for me to travel as soon as possible. But all merchant and passenger ships alike are too frightened to set sail, as there has been rumours of a 'Phantom Ship' that sinks every ship it finds... If I could confront it, I would stop it's foul villainy in an instant. Alas, it's such a shame." Cadence explained

"I see..." Twilight looked upset and took a bite of the pastry she was given in sorrow. "That's very troublesome. Still, I have to get to Fugue somehow..."

"Don't worry." Cadence cheered "If the sea is closed, then simply follow the overland route!"

"The overland route?" Twilight asked "that's a massive roundabout path to travel. Passing through all of Bitland and Mayronyl!"

"True, but don't you see? The hardships of the road are truly blessings! They will toughen and strengthen you and your resolve when you need to face great evil. For example, I have been given a task to get a better me, and I understand my path that the unseen providence has assigned me. I, Mi Amore Cadenza, shall overcome this task with faith and divine strength. But you know what? Why do I have to act so formal? I'll just say it like this. I have been told to train and steel myself. Knowing this is the destiny that the heavens gave me, I will finish this task using my own faith and my own strength with the assistance of the heavens!" She blurted

"Calm down Cadence!" Octavia protested "I'm sure you are more than thrilled to go around the long way, but..."

"No more!" Cadence interrupted "we're leaving now. Vinyl? Octavia? Don't slow me down!"

"All right! Party time! Let's catch up Octy! We'll gallop till we drop." Vinyl encouraged "winner goes to the pony that collapses from exhaustion!"

"Don't call me that Vinyl!" Octavia replied "and is it supposed to be the other way around? 'The winner is the pony that is still standing and galloping?' Sheesh... Why must this happen to me?" As the trio left the port.

"Uh... Flashy?" Twilight asked after that awkward exit. "Isn't Fugue in the opposite direction? Why are they heading towards Lunata?"

"Don't call me that milady." Flash replied "rest assured, it's nothing that you should be concerned with. The only concern is how we should plan our next course of action. An overland journey is going to be very long, but it's our only choice."

"Agreed. What shall we do?" Twilight wondered until a Warrior ran up to Twilight and stopped before Flash

"You're Twilight, the Princess of Solaria aren't you?" The warrior grunted

"I'm sorry. What?" Twilight replied

"Dastard!" Flash roared "go away!"

"No need to get personal." The warrior replied "there is a pretty price on your pretty head you know. Sorry, but I need those bits." And with a signal, the entire port was surrounded with mercenaries.

"Get a total of 11 ponies including you and Princess Fluttershy to fight." Flash warned "and fast! Those mercenaries can make the drop on us."

"All right you 3 cavaliers!" Twilight commanded "you are going to clear this path and you're going to do it fast!"

"Roger!" Comes the Doctor, Pinkie and Pipsqueak's reply.

"Fluttershy, you're helping them." Twilight continued

"A-All right. I'll do my best!"

"Applebloom and Derpy! Both of you are treading the seas to stop those pirates from raiding those villages! Once you do, go help the villages out!"

"Madam!" Came their reply

"Everypony else! Button, Dinky, Twinkleshine and Big Mac, follow the cavaliers! Now let's make our way out of here!" Twilight charged pulling out her Rapier.

The three cavaliers have formed a wall to make sure no enemy passes through, and they are doing a damn well job out of it. Not even the enemies could get through but deal small amounts of damage to the cavaliers.

Twilight took out a nearby pirate to receive an Ocean Seal, the promotion item required for thieves and pirates. The Doctor charged forward at the mercenaries. He remembered that he has enough defence to almost nullify the attack. After killing a few enemies, it was the enemy's turn.

The Doctor became everyone's main target. The mercenaries, the soldiers, and even a dangerous sniper. But the Doctor still stood firm against the oncoming attacks.

As Pinkie dealt with the sniper, the Doctor ran off to fight a mage that entered the port. Fluttershy made her first kill on a weakened mercenary. And Derpy went to her daughter for healing purposes to take on a very difficult task. To take out two archers that were covering each other. Applebloom may come to help, but she was taking her time in the sea.

"Hurry up!" Derpy complained

"Calm down! I'm going!" Applebloom comforted as she tread across the water.

The pirate ignored the two cavaliers and continued heading for the village, while more reinforcements were coming and enemies running for the party.

"I'm afraid you will not be going anywhere." The Doctor noted as he chased after the pirate and finished her in two hits. Twinkleshine threw some fireballs at a soldier and charring her in the process, while Pinkie aimed for the reinforcement Mercenary, unable to finish the mercenary in one hit, the mercenary took a swing back, realising with horror that it didn't do a thing.

"I'm sorry." Pinkie Pie taunted "I'm not itching anywhere right now. Maybe my bum, but I'll do that myself!" And a minute later, Fluttershy critically drove a javelin into the mercenary

"He was mine!" Pinkie whined

"I wanted some experience though..." Fluttershy protested.

"Let's make our way princess." Dinky gestured

"Yes let's." Twilight nodded and followed behind the group.

An enemy Myrmidon critically put the Doctor in a dangerous condition. The archer also spotted Derpy and attacked her, although he was killed in retaliation, Derpy was gravely wounded as well. A special group of reinforcements came, 3 Crystalis soldiers and one recruit.

"Attention!" The head soldier announced "Bitland's mercenaries will arrest the Princess of Solaria shortly. Our duty here is nearly ended and I expect no further hostilities. If you must fight however, remember that the whole empire fights with you!"

"Um, commander?" A small pegasus filly asked "what should I do?"

"Who are you?" The commander replied back

"Sir! I'm Scootaloo sir! I'm new you see, I was only assigned to your command today. I wanted to fight for the empire!"

"I don't need your life story foal! Grab a lance and get out in the front!" The commander harshly replied "wait... You can't fly? Can you? Even though you're a pegasus?"

"Um..."

"I knew it. You are a pathetic recruit. No wonder why you always get transferred around the army. You're physically weak! Now this isn't a hard task. Just stand guard there and don't move!"

"Y-Yes sir!" Scootaloo went to attention. As the commander left, the recruit said to herself. "All right... This lance... Stab the enemy... I'm not afraid... For my own flightless wings! I'm a citizen from Crystalis. It's my duty to fight, and I'll fight my best!"

Pinkie Pie killed the mercenary that wounded the Doctor and earned his Killing Edge.

"So that's how he pulled a critical on the Doctor!" Pinkie noted as she saw the Doctor falling back to get his wounds healed. "Guess I'm the one pulling criticals here now!" She chuckled.

"Looks like there are Crystalis reinforcements coming here. Or are they on guard duty?" Pipsqueak noted and looked at a certain filly. "Hmm... Is that filly new to fighting?" He wondered

The Bitland mercenaries aimed towards Pipsqueak but he turned the tables against them. Derpy went to visit the village nearby the boss.

"Wh-What do you want?" The citizen living in the house complained "give me a break. Leave us out of this stupid war of yours! We don't want to be a part of it! Or... Are you just a victim like the rest of us here?" He asked "regardless... Here." He showed giving a very special sword to Derpy "can you take this and do something about all this fighting?" With a nod of agreement, Derpy agreed and left the now closed house, this sword was in fact, another Rapier. Of course, Derpy couldn't use it so she plopped it into the supply. As everypony continued to press on, Pipsqueak got closer to the recruit, wondering about her.

Meanwhile, Applebloom is taking a heavy beating from the majority of the enemy and she barely survived.

Applebloom called a retreat and a vulnerary to survive. Meanwhile Pipsqueak managed to get up close to Scootaloo.

"Oh, who are you?" Scootaloo asked

"Well um..."

"What's wrong?"

"I was just worried. You look like one of the locals here. Maybe you should go some place safe. This area is very dangerous. Come with me."

"But... But..." Scootaloo protested "I'm..."

"I'm Pipsqueak, a pirate of Solaria." He introduced "and you are?"

"I-I'm Scootaloo." She replied "a-and... I'm supposed to be fighting you because I'm a Crystalis soldier."

"Really?" Pipsqueak asked in surprise "well, I guess you're my enemy then. Right?"

"I guess..." Scootaloo agreed scared to the bone "are you... Going to take me as your prisoner!?" She asked

"What? No! I wouldn't do such a thing!" Pipsqueak protested "well, pirates kinda do that, but not me! I may look like a pirate, but I'm just dressed as a pirate! I'm actually a knight! But... This is kind of a problem."

"Then, what are we going to do?" Scootaloo asked desperate to stay alive.

"Listen, how about you follow me and do what I say? We'll talk to Princess Twilight later." Pipsqueak proposed

"What? NO!" Scootaloo objected "my commander told me that Twilight is a cruel and merciless fiend who--"

"What? That's utter nonsense." Pipsqueak interrupted though a bit scared of the recruit's rage "in my life, I have never heard the Princess utter an unkind word to anyone. Except for a few times during this war but never before that! Though I understand why you're frightened, you think we're the enemy. But if you only trusted me, will you follow me?"

"Hmm... All right then, I'll trust you Pipsqueak but just this once!" Scootaloo agreed. Now there's another new member joining Twilight's party from the ranks of Crystalis.

"Applebloom's taking a massive beating over there!" Dinky spotted "we've gotta help her."

"Ah told you so Twinkleshine!" Applejack yelled from the convoy

"Her choice. Not mine." Twinkleshine countered

Derpy visited the second house and bumped into... Octavia

"My, oh, my... It is about time they left." She noted "I am finally done getting ordered around without a single bit given." She noticed Fluttershy "Oh? Um, excuse me. Don't mind me... I was just talking to myself. Actually, I want you to hold on to this for me, don't tell anyone. And don't say a word about seeing me to Lady Cadence. Deal? Deal." And tossed Fluttershy a Dragonshield.

It was very risky, many of the mages and archers were against Derpy and Applebloom. Applebloom managed to survive and defeat two mages and from one of the mages received Elfire, an upgraded fire book. Meanwhile, Derpy had her own tussle with an archer, dodging an arrow that could kill her and returned two javelin throws to the sender. Finally an archer had the hopes of taking Applebloom down once and for all, but it was not enough.

Derpy flew Applebloom to safety, and the team started advancing closely to the boss. Pipsqueak and the Doctor held the wall so no one could break through and attack the vulnerable ones.

The two soldiers went to attack Pipsqueak, but paid with their lives as it was not enough to kill him. Pipsqueak even got an Axereaver from one of the soldiers.

"If memory reminds me." The Doctor asked "this weapon can reverse the weapon triangle. Now this lance can beat axes, but will be weak to swords."

"In that case, let me give this a try!" Pipsqueak exclaimed and charged with the Axereaver and managed to overwhelm an enemy fighter while Pinkie Pie attacked a fighter with Scootaloo dealing the last blow. Soon enough, it was safe for the party to move on without any enemy movement.

As the party got closer, the three mercenaries guarding the warrior immediately attacked Pinkie Pie. With their steel swords, they missed the party pony completely.

"Can't touch this!" She taunted. One shaman went for Pipsqueak and she too, missed.

Fluttershy had an easy picking with the Shaman without getting too much damage. Scootaloo then used her slim lance to kill one of the standing mercenaries. Then Pipsqueak and Button Mash picked Fluttershy and Scootaloo respectively to save them from the archer. Pinkie Pie took out the second mercenary, and the Doctor finished the third.

After dodging the enemy bowmare's arrows, the Doctor finished him off.

"We go all-out on him next turn!" Pinkie Pie planned

"Blast!" The warrior cursed "this isn't right. These guys are too tough... 5,000 bits isn't enough for this at all!" As he looked forward, he saw Pinkie Pie spinning the Killing Edge around before giving a critical slash against him which was too fast to dodge, reducing him to critical health. In his remaining strength, he swung the axe and hit true, also bringing Pinkie Pie to critical health.

"My turn!" Pipsqueak exclaimed "I will finish you!" And with the axereaver, finished off the warrior.

"Th-that stinkin Garble... He lied to me!" The warrior cursed before falling to the ground. All enemies have been slain and the battle was won.

"Princess Twilight." Flash asked "are you well?"

"Yes, I believe so..." Twilight nodded "who are those men? They don't seem to be Crystalis imperial troops"

"judging on their crude swordplay, I'd say they're mercenaries." Flash answered "I guess we can expect more of them in the area too, I think... Wait here." As he cornered an enemy fighter mercenary who was still alive.

"P-Please! Have mercy! I'm sorry! Don't kill me! I surrender!" The fighter begged and dropped his axe to prove it "it was just a job!"

"That's exactly what I want to talk about." Flash continued "who offered the job? Who hired you?"

"I'm just a hired blade. But I have my honour and I won't say anything." The fighter continued

"I admire and your honour and professionalism. I guess we have no more use for you then." Flash sighed and brutally drew his sword.

"No wait! I'll spill it! Bitland! It was Garble of the Bitland council of millionaires!"

"Councilman Garble?" Flash asked as he drew back his sword

"That doesn't make sense!" Twilight protested "Bitland and Lunata are allies! Why would they target me?"

"I don't know..." The fighter replied "they may have decided that Crystalis was going to win, so they want to be on the winning side. Some of the others opposed Garble, and I heard that they have all been silenced quickly. That's all I know, I swear on my honour."

"I believe you. You may go." Flash gestured and the fighter galloped away. "We were careless." Flash continued with Twilight "we should have seen this coming. Bitland's a young and ambitious nation ruled by power-hungry merchants. And Crystalis grows more powerful with every passing day. So it's no surprise that Bitland's merchant lords would throw in with Crystalis now."

"Wait! So that means Princess Lyra..." Twilight realised "she was to pass through Bitland on her way to Mayronyl... If Bitland betrayed us, she's heading straight into enemy territory!" At that realisation, a Lunatan messenger flew to her side

"Princess Twilight!" She alerted "there's bad news."

"I know you..." Twilight recognised "you're that messenger riding with Princess Lyra."

"Yes, and she's in grave danger! Bitland's merchant army has struck and cut through our stallions. The princess is trapped in a siege, she has no means of escape and--"

"Enough!" Twilight stopped "I understand. Deliver the message back to Lunata!" She ordered

"What of Princess Lyra?"

"Me and my ponies will take care of her. The princess' troubles shouldn't be a concern to you any longer. We'll get her back safe."

The grey earth pony Octavia grabbed the Princess' attention after the messenger left

"Hey you..." The mare spoke "have Lady Cadence and the 'wub, bass, dubstep' mare gone yet?"

"Aren't you..." Twilight started "yes, they are no longer in the city."

"Finally, I am free! I won't be getting ordered around by that crazy, divine, mare anymore! I guess I owe you a debt. Have another one of my items." She exclaimed and gave an Angelic Robe to Twilight. "Now that I'm free again, I may just wander around for a while." And she scurried off.

"Those three have such a strange relationship." Twilight noted

"I think we'd ought to be leaving soon milady." Flash reminded

"Right. Let's hurry and help Princess Lyra!"

Chapter 10 T.S: Revolt at Bitland

Twilight and friends continued on training in the ancient woods where they first encountered the ancient horrors. There, mainly Scootaloo and Applebloom did all the heavy lifting. After the battle, it was time to set off. After some weapon restocking of course.

Bitland has betrayed Lunata and joined forces with Crystalis. Bitland's troops stop Princess Lyra, blocking her way to Mayronyl. With soldiers occupying the road on all sides, she is hopelessly trapped in a very difficult situation. Twilight rushed to the Princess' aid.

Chapter 10: Revolt at Bitland

In Crystalis Keep (again...) Prince Blueblood summoned Soarin to the throne, there the wyvern lord flew to meet the Prince and his protege Sunset Shimmer.

"General Soarin of the Crystalis imperial army, also known as the cloud piercing thunderbolt..."

"Yes..."

"Your orders. Capture the leader of the rebel army in Bitland. Capture Twilight."

"Twilight... Do you mean the Princess of Solaria?"

"Twilight invaded Bitland." Blueblood explained through lies "she massacred the citizens of Port Kirin. Then, she fled south. Soarin. Go. Crush the rebels that brought ruin to Bitland."

"... Understood sire." Soarin bowed.

Soarin flew out to the outdoor areas of the castle to meet up with his adjutant and younger sister figure, Rainbow Dash.

"What did the Prince say, Soarin?" Rainbow Dash asked

"I... I've been ordered to kill the Princess of Solaria." Soarin answered "I want you to remain here in the capital Rainbow, I'll go alone."

"Okay then Soarin, so be it... But you know, you seemed to be a bit troubled about all of this... Are you actually concerned about fighting the Princess of a ruined land!?"

"Heh... I wasn't able to slip anything past you Rainbow, you really are like a younger sibling to me. And yes, this duty puts a great weight on my shoulders, more than any other."

"Hey bro... Do you know this princess?"

"Yes. When Solaria and Crystalis were still close... I met the mare-- I met Twilight only once. Although we spoke briefly, I knew and felt that she was a mare of wonder, magic and most of all, a mare of pure light. I cannot bring myself to believe that she would be evil, I just can't."

"...Soarin." Rainbow comforted "the prince has ordered--"

"There's the rub Rainbow." Soarin interrupted "that's it exactly. His Majesty has never spoken a falsehood in all the time I've served him. As a servant of the empire, I am duty bound to obey his orders. But I can see no reason to think that Princess Twilight's heart is any less gentle right now." As the two were continuously talking, a horrible Wyvern Knight flew up to them.

"What are these cowardly mutterings?" Lightning butted in "It is because you three generals are so weak that other soldiers must work so hard and yet you get the honour to kill the mare. How I long to do your duty for you!"

"Lightning!" Soarin roared "you treacherous parasprite..."

"So, Is this how you speak toward your peer knights of the realm?" Lightning tested "perhaps you've forgotten. I too, am a general. The same rank as you."

"You wench." Soarin struck "you were cast out from the army due to mistreating civilians. What lies and schemes did you make in order to receive pardon and reinstatement at the same time?"

"Our ruler has need for my skills, and his word is law." Lightning calmly replied "His Majesty has earned my most sincere and undying gratitude. And then we have you three... Cheerilee, The Lame and Weak Trixie and you... The three of you have proven to be unreliable time and time again. Sombra, Gilda and I were brought in to plug those holes. Don't you see? You ought to thank me Soarin!"

"Lightning!" Rainbow Dash retaliated out of rage "If you dare insult my brother further..."

"Oh really Rainbow?" Lightning turned her attention to the cyan pegasus "and what do you think you can do to me if I did, hmm? Both of you aren't even real siblings, why should you care? Would you fight me right here, right now? Would you show such disloyalty to our ruler? And do you even think you can simply scratch me!?" Rainbow stayed silent because she knew that was true and looked down shamefully.

"Peace Rainbow." Soarin comforted "we are His Majesty's mares and stallions. We will honour his commands. But mark my words Lightning Dust: Your horrendous crimes are neither forgiven nor forgotten."

"Hmph..." Lightning pouted "never forgive, never forget huh? Doesn't bother me anyway."

Meanwhile in the Terran Plateau, Princess Lyra and two mercenaries were holding out in a mountain fort.

"Princess Lyra." The leader of the mercenaries asked formally and poshly "Can you still continue?"

"Why of course!" The princess arrogantly replied "do you really think that this is enough to make me give up? But I'm also surprised that you mercenaries haven't given up and fled though..."

"Nay. You see, the Fancy mercenaries takes it's name from me, Fancy Pants. I'm one of the millionaire celebrities of Mayronyl and the famous leader of the fancy mercenaries. If I'd quit while our employer is still fighting, they would want a new name. Wouldn't you agree? So... What is your plan may I ask?"

"What!?!? Why be a mercenary leader when you're completely rich!?" Lyra spat out

"I am a celebrity, but I have never known how dangerous the outside world is, from the life of a rich and peaceful city in Mayronyl. You see, I want to help out in the world, maybe make a name for myself. But money can only help some ponies, and not all. I find it cowardly when I pay somepony to do the dirty jobs. That's why I decided to learnt how to fight in the mercenary style and sooner or later, became a mercenary myself. I applied to start an official mercenary band and now, I have a few fancy and non-fancy ponies fighting and travelling with me, just like Rarity here. There are also two other young foals in my band, although their whereabouts are currently unknown to me. Now as I said... What is your plan?"

"Very well then, we continue to stay surrounded." Lyra explained "they won't simply allow us to trot out of here... I sent a messenger off with news of our plight. But Lunata is days away, even for a flyer soldier. We can't expect any help from them soon enough."

"So we then tighten our belts and survive. Is that all? Or would you quit this place and rest in comfort?"

"You mean surrender? Hey, I'm the Princess of Lunata and the protege of it's ruler. That word has no meaning to me. The world's fate rides on my back and I'll make it to Mayronyl. I'll crawl there if I have to."

"Ah. That makes me feel so much better." Fancy Pants grinned proudly "we may all live a while longer if you are so determined."

"Sir. Princess." Rarity spoke

"Yes? My dear Rarity?"

"Dear. You do remember that you have a wife right?"

"Yes I do. I plan to come back to her safely. The only problem that concerns her is the risk of my life and the life of others under my lead."

"Anyway" Rarity continued "I have bad news... And worse news after that."

"Bad news?" Fancy asked

"We have no more weapons to spare. The only weapons we have are the ones we are holding. There won't be much fight in us left once those are gone."

"Bad news indeed... How about the worse news?"

"The enemy has started to move. They're going to attack again. This time, they are sending the entire lot. It is the worst possible thing that ever happened to the Fancy Mercenaries." Lyra stayed silent, then spoke

"All right then... You two, you are relieved of your duties and are done here. Discharged, fired, etc, whatever. You can surrender or flee, your choice."

"Excuse me?" Fancy replied offended

"Those troops are after me and me only." Lyra explained "throw down your weapons, and they'll let you trot away alive. I don't need you here, you'll just get in my way. And who knows, you 'noble' sell-swords are still filthy. You'll probably sell me out anyway."

"Why!" Rarity objected agitated "that's not true! And you know that!"

"Peace, Rarity." Fancy calmed "If I may ask then Princess, what are you going to do?"

"I'll get out of here on my own. I'll break to the south and escape towards the mountains."

"That is a very daunting task." Fancy replied concerned "how do you plan to do that?"

"I'm not telling you. I have no idea when you're going to betray me." Lyra replied "get out of here. I'd rather do this alone."

"Pardon me, but it looks like that you're trying to make sure that you are the only one who dies." Fancy explained

"... Fool. I don't the intention of dying, but there can be no false hope of reinforcements riding in to save the day. You and I are not the same you see, you are just a celebrity, but I am royalty. I am the protege of Princess Lunata, I am Lunata's heir. We who are made noble do not shirk the duties to which we are made for." Fancy stayed silent

"you still wait? You may go." Lyra gestured

"well played milady." Fancy started "I have always loved and admired the melodrama of martyrdom... After that fine performance, there is no way that I can abandon you now. I, I mean we shall be staying with you till the end."

"To the-- what are you saying?" Lyra protested "you would dare ignore the orders of the one who's employed you and your steel!?"

"Rarity." Fancy commanded "I want you to go and surrender. Give my regards to Sweetie Belle and Rumble."

"Ridiculous!" Rarity objected again "I'm not going anywhere. Now can both of you stop acting... Fancy? And you!" Rarity pointed to Lyra "you've already fired us! You can't order us to leave now."

"Unbelievable..." Lyra sighed "and yet you call yourselves mercenaries? You only fight for money and not for duty?"

"That's stereotyping. My fighting style is a mercenary style." Fancy explained "but that doesn't mean I'm a mercenary. I'm still a celebrity. Besides, I'm already rolling in the dough rich. But if that's not being a mercenary, then I guess we're lousy mercenaries then hmm? Now let's start thinking instead of talking, we need a plan to get out of here alive. I know you are a brilliant tactician, so I figured that we wouldn't die that easily. Tell us what to do princess. We'll follow your orders."

"... Hmph. Very well." Lyra conceded "I'll see what I can do to keep us from being filled with arrows."

"Oh, by the way Princess." Rarity piped up "if some miraculous aid were to come, what direction will it come from?"

"My guess would be from the north. But there will be little or no hope of that. Even if Lunata sends us aid, they would not arrive until..."

"This may be good news" Rarity interrupted "then again, it can be more bad news. You see, on that mountain path." Rarity pointed out as she was scouting "somepony's coming."

From the north of the plateau, Twilight and her friends galloped into the midst of the battle and saw the stranded Lunatan princess and the mercenaries.

"Princess Lyra!" Twilight called

"Oh dear." Flash assessed "the Princess is surrounded by the mercenary armies of Bitland. She looks vastly outnumbered. I doubt she could hold much longer. Rescuing her first is essential."

"Well, that's what we've trained for! Right team?" She called back to the group followed with cheers of morale

"Oh yeah! We didn't go through all those dead stuff for nothing!" Button Mash replied swinging his sword back and forth.

"Plus, with the new and stronger weapons you've bought us" Twinkleshine added as she showed her new Thunder tome she bought and the Elfire tome from Applebloom "those cretins don't stand a chance against us."

"I've worked hard in the training." Fluttershy noted "I feel like a completely new pony now. A pony that can protect herself and others!"

"So can I!" Scootaloo added flapping her wings very hard "I've taken down those monsters in two hits all by myself! For my wings and cutie mark!"

"You got that right!" Applebloom replied clashing her dual iron axes together "let's find our cutie marks together!"

"All of you never cease to amaze me, especially with your strength and morale." Flash complimented the entire party "and especially you Scootaloo, as a recruit, you certainly pulled your weight better than any other recruit I've seen! Even better than Pipsqueak when he was a recruit."

"Hey!" Pipsqueak replied offended

"Maybe after that training, you've just got a little bit of experience left to fill up that bar to the maximum so you can change class!" Flash continued.

"Oh I'm ready!" Scootaloo replied started to glow white, just like what happened to Applebloom recently.

"Looks like I spoke too soon. I guess you'll be changing class right now."

"Hey Scoots! You can choose to be a cavalier or knight. Why don't you be a cavalier like I am?" Pipsqueak encouraged

"My... My... My choice... My choice is!" She started and a brilliant ball of light enveloped her and illuminated brightly that everypony had to shield their eyes. When the light died down. A small but sturdy suit of armor covered the small Scootaloo.

"So you decided to become a knight like me." Big Mac grunted

"Congrats Scoots!" Twilight congratulated "now let's go help the Princess!"

"Very well then" Flash instructed "12 ponies including yourself."

"All cavaliers and pegasus knights!" Twilight commanded "you're leading the charge. Everyone else, Big Mac, Scootaloo, Applebloom, Button and Cloudchaser, stay with me! We need to save the princess at all cost!"

"Heh heh..." A sage dragon chuckled from the council hall entrance "my plan to get rid of Hoity Toity has yielded some unexpected fruit. A fine gift to Crystalis would be the head of Lunata's gifted protege."

"Lord Garble." A soldier reported "Princess Lyra and her mares have taken refuge in a mountain stronghold. Permission to finish them off?"

"Yes." The dragon replied "flush the princess out and cut her down. We'll find Hoity later and roast his old bones as well. Heh heh heh...

Meanwhile, somewhere in the council hall, a villager went up to Hoity Toity.

"Lord Hoity, Garble's troops are moving towards the stronghold. They're planning on chasing down Princess Lyra and her ponies." He reported

"Garble, you mad reckless imbecile." The council leader cursed "If Princess Lyra dies here, then the bond between Bitland and Lunata is sundered forever. Bitland will be nothing more than a vassal paying tribute to Crystalis... There must be some way to aid Princess Lyra..."

"Hold on milord!" The villager blocked the councilman's way. "Garble is after you too! If you reveal yourself here..."

"Damn... May fortune keep you safe Princess Lyra."

Back to the battle, the mercenaries swung their swords on the cavaliers and harmlessly bounced off the armour.

"Don't you dare make a scratch on my armour!" The Doctor retaliated with a lance attack. "I cleaned and fine-tuned it yesterday!" Meanwhile, another mercenary went for Pinkie and only managed to take out 1 HP.

"I've got more HP than that you know." Pinkie taunted as another mercenary attacked the Doctor again. This time, he managed to land two blows to kill the second mercenary. However, the enemy knew a tactic and blocked the way of Twilight's party to reach Lyra's party. Some brigands came from the eastern mountain peaks as a reinforcement.

Fluttershy and Derpy aimed for the mages, as much as the mages could throw fireballs at them. It did absolutely nothing when one exploded on Fluttershy.

"That felt... Warm." Fluttershy replied

"Us pegasi knights have high resistance!" Derpy chuckled as both of them finished off their respective mage.

"Let's clear those mercenaries out!" Pinkie Pie commanded as the other two cavaliers and knights charged. "Come on Princess! I'll get you to the mountain fort!" And she picked up Twilight and galloped towards the stronghold.

The enemies advanced towards both Lyra and Twilights party, the bulk of the enemy forces heading towards Lyra.

The Mercenary Fancy Pants made his move and he took out one of the soldiers in a single hit. Lyra aimed at another soldier and defeated him in one shot.

"More brigands are coming from the mountains!" Flash warned from the convoy

Button sneaked up on a fighter and after landing the two killing blows, obtained the enemy's killer axe. Big Mac struck his enemy dead in one hit.

"Something bothers me." Button Mash piped up "normal ponies have problems fighting against large hordes of enemies or undead, and although we suffer minimal injuries, we could take all of them out."

"Well, we ain't any ordinary war band." Applejack replied from the convoy "we have the Princess of Solaria leading us. Her knowledge and tactics of the battlefield are limitless. Who can face her intelligence?"

"You guys are too kind!" Twilight called out blushing

"How can she hear us from over there?" Button asked

"Like ah said, she's smart." Applejack replied

As Twilight's group continued to advance and Lyra's group continued to hold out, the enemy continued to advance.

At the south of the plateau, there was a commotion going on.

"Hey you!" A sergeant called out to a pegasus foal "you're up! You're getting paid a lot more than us common soldiers, a small kid that has a better pay rate! Show us how you earn your gold!"

"Okay." The foal replied "where do I start killing?"

"St-Start with the Lunatan troops over there!" The soldier pointed his shaking hoof "p-please don't point your blade in that direction!"

"I'll do what I can then, no promises however." The foal nodded "good day." And he trotted off

"Whew..." The soldier sighed with relief "so that's Rumble, the Grey Thunderstroke of the Fancy Mercenaries... He's a pretty cute guy, but I'll keep my distance... And my head."

As the enemies moved, they tried their best to target Lyra and Fancy, and paid with their lives.

"Can't touch this!" Lyra taunted as she ducked the soldier's lance.

Fancy and Lyra continued their strong killing spree, unaware that someone was close to them.

Pinkie Dropped Twilight off next to Lyra so they could talk

"Princess Lyra!" Twilight greeted "are you well?"

"Twilight? That you?" Lyra replied in shock

"We've come to help you." Twilight explained "you must be very exhausted, please fall back and rest. We'll take care of these dogs."

"That's not going to happen." Lyra protested "I won't run and hide while another mare protects me. We will continue to fight, but you may join us."

"If that's how you want it, then okay. Let's go" Twilight agreed

"Twilight... A moment." Lyra stopped

"Lyra?"

"I give you my thanks. You, the princess of Solaria, came to my aid... I am in your debt." And with that, Lyra prepared her greatbow ready to strike the enemy in Twilight's favour instead of herself. But instead, she decided to get the leader of the Fancy Mercenaries' attention.

"Reinforcements have arrived Fancy." Lyra explained

"Oh how lucky we are." Fancy boomed "Twas a good thing that we held out as long as we did."

"I'll have to say that it was most of your doing. Thank you."

"Don't let your guard down princess." Fancy warned "there are still enemies to fight, and it be a shame to die now."

"I completely agree. Let's go." Lyra nodded and readied her bow as a gesture to get ready. Now that Fancy is under Twilight's command, he went to talk to Rarity.

"Miss Rarity, it seems that help is on the way." Fancy Pants explained

"Oh really? Perhaps faith is a good thing." Rarity sighed with relief "I've never had much before, but perhaps good things do in fact happen to good people."

"Good things? I do like the sound of that, what do you think would come my way?"

"I wonder..." Rarity laughed and danced for Fancy. With a sudden revitalisation, Fancy was able to move and fight again.

"Your dances work many wonders Miss Rarity. You never cease to amaze me!" Fancy complimented

"Well darling, that is what I do!" Rarity winked. On the other side of the mountain fort, the rest of Twilight's party seemed to have no problem cutting down the enemies. Pinkie Pie stood in front of the oncoming enemies.

"I got your back Mr Fancy Mercenary!" Pinkie noted

"You have my gratitude." Fancy Pants bowed

"Hurry up Applebloom!" Pinkie called

"Ah'm tryin to get there!" Applebloom called back

The brigands sitting on the mountains started to advance toward the party. The enemies couldn't fight the Doctor. However, Pinkie and Twilight were having a difficult time and so was Derpy.

Applebloom managed to reach the party, but was fully exhausted as she reached them.

"It looks like you want to fight." Rarity called "don't worry, I'll help with that." And with her special dance, revitalised Applebloom.

"Thanks miss..." Applebloom paused wondering on what her name is

"Rarity." Rarity introduced

"Thanks Miss Rarity!"

"No need to thank me! It's the job of a dancer! Now go get them." Rarity gestured. As Applebloom galloped away to hurt an archer, Rarity chuckled

"She's just like Sweetie Belle... Hmm..."

The enemy was certainly annoying this phrase, while they did no damage to the cavaliers, soldiers decided to attack Fancy Pants and Myrmidons went to attack Applebloom but the big irritation was that a monk used a sleeping staff on Fancy Pants and the next thing the party knew, the fancy mercenary was dreaming about his wife.

"I'll get him to Dinky, maybe she can do something." Fluttershy noted as she picked up the unicorn and flew off.

"I'll help too" Rarity added as she danced to revitalise Fluttershy so she could drop off Fancy Pants close to Dinky.

"We'll cover you." Lyra noted as she pulled an arrow at a myrmidon.

"Opening the gate." Big Mac alerted as he turned the key onto the door blocking the path that leads to the council hall.

"Oh Celestia!" Scootaloo screamed "that mercenary has a lancereaver!"

"Run for it!" Derpy cried as she picked up Big Mac and flew to safety along with Scootaloo trotting to safety behind Cloudchaser and Button.

"Help me!" Derpy yelled as the lancereaver mercenary hit her. Meanwhile, Rumble started to make an attack on Lyra who dodged.

"Impressive. Few could dodge my Shamshir." Rumble complimented.

"You should see what I can do from afar little foal!" Lyra taunted as she dusted herself.

"Don't kill him!" Rarity whispered "he's one of us. Only Fancy can talk with him." An archer went to pick off Applebloom, but she missed and Applebloom successfully counter attacked with her hatchet resulting in a kill. A monk went to cast another sleeping spell on Applebloom

"I ain't going to sleep!" Applebloom yelled and dodged the sleeping magic.

"Sorry... If only I had the restore staff..." Dinky apologised "I can't do anything for him."

"Great. I guess we'll have to wait for him to wake up." Fluttershy sighed "can you heal Twilight and others though?"

"That I can do!" Dinky nodded.

"We'll start advancing." Cloudchaser commanded as they scaled towards the hall.

"That myrmidon with the archers has a red gem tucked with him, Twilight said so. Can you steal that?" Scootaloo asked

"Yes! My pleasure!"

One of the archers decided to man the ballistae to fire on Cloudchaser and missed as Cloudchaser cut down an advancing Myrmidon. Meanwhile, Rumble continued to attack and miss Lyra. The monk tried one final time to put Applebloom to sleep and failed.

"Looks like your sleep staff is out of durability!" Applebloom taunted.

Everyone was still waiting for Fancy Pants to wake up while Dinky was back to healing duty. The other 6 ponies, Scootaloo, Big Mac, Doctor Whooves, Pipsqueak, Cloudchaser and Button Mash, were scaling towards the mountain council hall, taking down any enemy that dares to stand in their way.

The two archers now manned the ballistae and are firing madly at Button... And missing. Rumble still attempted to hit the ever evasive Lyra and brigands march toward the 6 pony offensive team.

Fluttershy hit the monk from afar with her javelin.

"Don't you ever put my friends to sleep!" She roared and took the monk's torch staff

"I can't reach the myrmidon!" Cloudchaser explained "I'll need two turns, and I'm afraid I would kill him!"

"How can we fix that?" Pipsqueak asked

This time, Rumble managed to land a hit on the 1st Lunatan Princess.

"Dang it!" Lyra cursed

"That was just one. Prepare for more." Rumble taunted

"we'll see about that! Your friend's going to wake up soon!"

"What?"

"Do these stallions ever learn how to aim?" Button yawned as the ballistae arrows missed him by a long shot.

"We all know that OUR bow users are worthy to ride ballistaes." Big Mac chuckled

Fancy Pants woke up after a 4 phase rest.

"Heavens! I must have been asleep!" Fancy informed

"You have been darling." Rarity replied. "Rumble's currently fighting Princess Lyra, you may want to talk to him before either of them dies."

"Rumble? Oh dear. Rumble? Rumble!" Fancy called out

"That voice sounds familiar..." Rumble wondered until he realised that Lyra stepped out of the way for Fancy Pants.

"Rumble! It is you!" Fancy Pants cried with joy

"Chief!" Rumble exclaimed

"Sir." Fancy corrected "what a mess... Don't tell me the Mayronyl guild bungled again. They were supposed to be diligent about making sure that this sort of thing doesn't happen again. But here we are again. Two ponies from the same posse, working on opposite sides."

"What should we do then sir?"

"That is a very excellent question if you ask me... As a mercenary, your loyalty lies only with the pony that is paying your wages. We can cross swords with each other or I advise you that you retreat. The decision is yours. Of course, if you betray your employer, you'll soil your righteous title."

"Come on sir! What would YOU like me to do?"

"Now that is a very easy question. I would like you to come over and join my side."

"Right. That's what I will do!"

"Hold it there... Th-That's it? Just like that? But do you know what's going to happen to your reputation if you do that?"

"Yep! I'm willing to take the risk in order to follow and stick to my superior sir!"

"Princess Twilight" Fancy reported "I have all the ponies I know on my side."

"All right then! Let's go join the others at the council hall!"

"Geez, so many brigands to wipe out." Pipsqueak gasped, tired of fighting and defeating a countless number of brigands without any effort required.

"Geez, so many arrows to dodge." Button gasped, tired of dodging a countless number of arrows without any effort required.

"Stop copying me." Pipsqueak retorted

"Stop copying me!" Button Mash replied

"Stop copying each other!" The Doctor butted in "it's annoying!"

"Yes sir." Both replied in unison.

"Oh crap! Pegasus and Cavalier reinforcements!" Twilight warned as she used her mind's eye "They even have a Falconknight and Ranger as commander of their respective divisions!"

"Flyer units? No problem!" Lyra grinned as she readied her bow.

"Ah'll stay and fight!" Applebloom replied clashing her axes together.

"What's going on?" Fluttershy asked as she flew to the 6 pony party.

"Cloudchaser wants to steal a red gem, but she's too far away from the target." Scootaloo explained

"Running out of energy trying to get to him? Why, I can fix that darling!" Rarity offered as she hopped off Fluttershy

"Who are you?" The Doctor asked

"I am Rarity. A dancer. Whenever I dance to someone, they become so energised that they can move again!"

"Really? Sounds very nice!" Cloudchaser replied "think you can help me?"

"Of course! We're allies after all."

Meanwhile, the pegasus knights started to attack Applebloom and Lyra. But they didn't receive a lot of damage.

"Slim Lances!? That's pathetic!" Lyra taunted as she caught a glimpse of their lances

"Oop! Here comes the Falcon Knight!" Applebloom alerted as she dodged the steel lance and swung the hatchet twice reducing the knight into a critical condition. This time, one of the two ballistae aimed for Rarity instead and she dodged.

"Why! How rude!" She exclaimed

"Tell me about it." Button added

"Let's do this!" Button exclaimed. Pipsqueak helped take out one of the ballistae riders to give a spot close to the myrmidon. As Rarity danced for Cloudchaser, she managed to get up close and nick the Red Gem.

"Thanks for the bits!" Cloudchaser taunted

"Say... Why don't we go to the arena?" The Doctor asked

"Sounds good!" Scootaloo agreed

"That was easy." The Doctor strode out of the arena unscathed carrying twice the of what he had wagered.

"That fight was amazing!" Scootaloo complimented

The sole pegasus knight attempted a shot at Lyra and missed while cavalier's continued gearing for the two Princesses. Meanwhile, the sole enemy ballistae aimed for Button and missed.

Pinkie defeated the last Pegasus knight and Scootaloo tried her luck at the arena.

"Victory!" She exclaimed walking out with 1460 bits.

"Not bad for yourself Scootaloo!" The Doctor complimented as Rarity did a dance to get Scootaloo out of the arena.

"That... Was close." Fluttershy limped out. Although she won, she took a great beating.

"We'll get Dinky to check up on you later." The Doctor comforted "great work holding out though!"

A stray cavalier aimed for Rumble and managed to land a dangerous hit. Rumble retaliated twice with the Iron Blade he took from the supply. One cavalier and the ranger ignored the Princess and aimed for Dinky. She managed to dodge the cavalier's strike, but received the ranger's bow.

"Help!" She cried

"Dinky!" Twilight yelled

"Let's rescue her!" Applebloom started and cut down a cavalier that stood in their way to protect his other comrades that were targeting Dinky.

"Indeed!" Pinky agreed as she critically slashed the ranger, killing him in one hit.

"My turn!" Twilight alerted and struck the other cavalier twice to put him down. Twilight winced at the cavalier's injury on her.

"I'll fix that up." Dinky comforted as she healed the Solarian Princess' wounds.

"Ah wonder what the others are doing..." Applebloom wondered.

The ponies were having fun training and winning in the arena. Not even a single retreat at all.

"Heh... They didn't stand a chance." Button chuckled

"Oww... I think I'm getting too much damage." Scootaloo winced

"Something confuses me. Why do we always have to wield iron weapons in the arena?" Pipsqueak wondered

"Because." Came Big Mac's reply.

"Oh well, let's just wait for Twilight to come so she can seize the gate." Fluttershy explained.

"You okay there?" Derpy asked as she went to cover Rumble by thrusting the javelin into the cavalier.

"A-ok! Thanks." Rumble thanked.

The group took a long time to wait as the Princesses made their way through.

"Sorry about the wait." Twilight apologised

"Everything is fine. Just a few injured that we need Dinky to look at." The Doctor explained

"I'll start as soon as I can." Dinky replied

"Arena! I'll get some more bits for myself." Lyra chuckled as she galloped to the arena.

"That was a fast battle!" Button exclaimed as he watched the fight

"Princess Lyra is a very fast and powerful sniper." The Doctor explained "she can easily fall any enemy. At least she can back up her boasts."

"Fluttershy, I heard you fought a very long battle... Against a myrmidon!" Lyra approached her stepsister.

"H-He was fast..." Fluttershy defended

"Not good enough! And you took several blows from him!" Lyra scolded "this is why Princess Luna and I didn't want you to fight."

"Lyra...!" Fluttershy replied offended

"Quick fight Cloudchaser." Big Mac grunted "even faster than Lyra."

"What!?" Lyra turned around shocked

"That Pirate never knew you pulled a quick critical against him!" Rumble complimented

"Easy picking." Cloudchaser boasted

"Grr... No one finishes a fight faster than me!" Lyra growled.

"Well, everyone does seem to be having fun!" Twilight chuckled.

After some healing preparations, it was time to strike the sage dragon.

"No one can withstand the might of Crystalis..." The Dragon explained to Button as he stepped up "logic dictates that we join now or be subjugated later. I made the rational decision. The only decision!" And with his tome, fired a divine spell at him. Button took full pain from the blast.

"Aahhh!!!" Button cried as the holy pain flowed through him

"Get out of there!" Lyra commanded. Then Lyra took his spot to fight.

"Yahh...!?" The dragon gasped as he saw the Lunatan princess still alive. "You're... Princess Lyra!"

"... I believe you are one of Bitland's councilponies... I mean dragon, right?" Lyra started "it was a bad mistake to trap me, and failing to do that is a dreadfully expensive mistake. Let me show you how expensive it is." And with her Silver Bow, fired two shots and reducing the Dragon to critical health. The dragon retaliated with his divine spell and Lyra took the worst of it.

"Is that the best you can do?" Lyra taunted

"She's not going to last any longer! I'll help her!" Twilight noted, teleported between Lyra and the dragon and drove her sword in the dragon, finishing him off.

"Uugh... N-No, I cannot die like this when there is great wealth for me to take... R-Retreat! All mercenaries to me!!!" He commanded and flew away, dropping a guiding ring in haste.

"Another promotional item for the magic users!" Twilight chuckled as she claimed the ring and raised her sword to seize the hall. Solaria/Lunata and the few Crystalis and Mayronyl ponies were victorious.

"You know, I could have beaten him myself." Lyra frowned

"There's no fooling me. I know you've been injured badly from him. One more hit and you're finished." Twilight retorted

From the mountains down south, Lightning Dust and a few wyvern riders approached and watched the scene.

"I've found you Twilight." Lightning chuckled "seems you are skilled as the reports say. This is going to be fun. Yes, I do love strong mares like me."

"General Lightning. Shall we attack?" One of the soldiers asked

"No, we'll pass on dessert for now. Let them escape, we're leaving." And the wyvern group retreated.

In the council hall, the team were taking a rest.

"Princess Lyra!" Twilight approached "are you well?"

"Twilight..." Lyra started "I'm so sorry for troubling you."

"No problem at all!" Twilight replied

"Oh goodness! Princess Lyra! Thank Celestia you are all right!" A pony exclaimed behind them

"And you are?" Twilight asked

"Oh pardon me. Where are my manners? I am one of Bitland's council of millionaires. My name is Hoity Toity."

"A council member?"

"So." Lyra started "you're one of the traitors who ordered..."

"P-Peace! Please!" Hoity pleaded "I have no intention of opposing or quarrelling with you! I, too, have been marked for death by Garble..."

"What is this all about?" Twilight asked

"It's a dreadful tale" Hoity explained "Bitland is a nation divided. As you know, Bitland has no monarchy but is ruled by a council. But now, the council has broken into factions mired in discord..."

"Factions..." Twilight wondered loudly "are you saying that not all of Bitland has betrayed Lunata?"

"Yes. The moderate factions prefer to preserve our alliance with Lunata. Garble's faction wishes to endear us to Crystalis. To surrender to their armies. Once Garble had realised he couldn't ply us with bribes, he began to have us assassinated. Those of us who remain have taken refuge underground. We tried to oppose him whenever we can. If you hadn't showed up, I'm not certain that I would still be breathing."

"I do recall enemy troops combining in this area when I arrived..." Lyra remembered "they were searching for you, right?"

"Garble has usurped rule of the council. We have no choice but to hide. Not all of Bitland's council has gone over to Crystalis' side though... You must believe me. The whole of Bitland does not believe as Garble does."

"... I see." Lyra nodded

"Lord Hoity." Twilight started "I understand the hardships that you've endured. I am pleased to hear that not all of Bitland is our enemy."

"I will depart at once for Lunata to explain to the Princess of our circumstance. I advise that you should head back to Lunata as well. Garble has considerable wealth, and he has a vast mercenary force under his command. I'm sure he'll send more this way as soon as he is able to."

"Princess Lyra." Fancy greeted the Princess outside the council hall "Rarity, Rumble and I decided to stay with you. Is that all right?"

"Yes, I would appreciate the help." Lyra agreed "starting now, you've got a new contract. The only change is, your payment is doubled. If the two of you hadn't stayed with me back there, I wouldn't have survived. Fancy Pants, Rarity... Thank you. You have my gratitude."

"Princess." Rarity asked "did you... Um... Hit your head after that last skirmish?"

"... That's not very nice. My neck and hands aren't so stiff that I could not show any gratitude." Lyra frowned

"Hands!? What are you talking about!?" Rarity gasped

"It's a habit of hers." Twilight explained "Lyra is fascinated with a mythological creature that appears in fairy tales: Humans. These humans have these things called 'hands' that replace their front hooves and they stand on two legs. Lyra always wanted to be like them."

"I... See." Rarity took it all in awkwardly.

"Anyway" Lyra continued "I would ask for your support in the days ahead."

"We both ask for your help." Twilight added

"We have a deal." Fancy agreed "now let's keep each other alive."

"Hey! There you are sister!" A young unicorn filly called out to Rarity as the party stopped at a nearby village.

"Sweetie Belle!?" Rarity exclaimed with shock. "How is it... What are you doing here? Didn't I tell you to wait in the inn and behave yourself?"

"Yeah but, you always run off and disappear." Sweetie Belle explained "no fair. I want to have adventures too! To find my cutie mark!"

"You are such an annoyance..." Rarity grumbled "I don't go galloping around and having fun, you know?"

"I know." Sweetie replied "that's why I came to see you. I can help, my teacher finally got around to teaching me some magic. Check this out." And to demonstrate, she created an unstable flame on her horn.

"H-Hey! Knock it off." Rarity stopped "you shouldn't be using magic here!"

"Well, I just thought I could help you with work, that's all. I can protect you now sis. Please take me with you, I don't want to stay in that inn anymore."

"Oh... All right." Rarity conceded "I'll go speak to Mr Fancy and Princess Twilight. Don't wander off when I'm gone."

"Yahoo!" Sweetie Belle jumped and broke out in song.

"Please don't sing!" Rarity yelled, trying to cover her ears.

"Princess Twilight, Princess Lyra." Flash reported as they left the plateau "I think we should follow the advice given to us and return to Lunata. Continuing through Bitland like this is too great a risk for your safety."

"The peril is self-evident." Lyra agreed "however, I have to reach Mayronyl, and the only way is through Bitland. If I don't hurry, nations will fall, one by one, to Crystalis' hunger."

"Lyra is right." Twilight added "and the road to Fugue leads through both Bitland and Mayronyl. However, pressing on will invite more mercenary attacks."

"Hey, I've got an answer." Sweetie Belle interrupted "I know a way that leads over the mountains straight to Mayronyl! Want me to be you guide there?"

"... And who might you be?" Twilight asked the young filly

"Sweetie Belle! Shush!" Rarity scolded "you know better than to interrupt people when they are talking." Rarity apologised to the princesses "I'm so sorry. Please let me take my sister out of the way. Come on Sweetie. Let's go."

"No--No, wait, please" Twilight stopped "do you really know a route through the mountains?"

"Sure!" Sweetie Belle nodded "at the top of the mountain, there's a village named Solus Oppidum. That's where my teacher lives, I'm sure she'll lead you there if you ask nicely."

"What is your teacher's name?" Lyra asked

"My teacher? Her name is Amethyst Star." Sweetie answered

"Amethyst Star..." Lyra wondered loudly "I've heard that name on the lips of Lunata's spy network lately. She's a powerful wielder of magic who has been fighting bandits and monsters recently. The spies mentioned something about a Solus Oppidum, if I remember."

"What do you think?" Twilight asked

"Hm. If my spies are accurate, Amethyst is somepony we can trust."

"Very well then." Twilight nodded "Sweetie, will you take us to meet your teacher?"

"Are you sure you can do this Sweetie?" Rarity asked

"Not a problem!" Sweetie agreed "let's see if you can keep up everyone!" And with that, she ran off with the party following behind her.

Chapter 10 S.A: Turning Traitor

In the usual training, Shining and team managed to find a weapon this time. A very powerful weapon known as a spear.

"It's a ranged lance that's more powerful than the javelin and short spear." Flash explained.

"Great. Something I would use." The captain assured. "Let's get back to training." Once everypony has trained their hardest and received ample amounts of experience such as Scootaloo, the party set off for Bellrowen.

A former lance instructor to Shining, Crystalis' General Cheerilee often came to Solaria as an emissary of her empire. Despite their stations, the two ponies share similar dispositions and a warm relationship. Why has Crystalis started this war? What is the miasma of evil emanating from the country? Shining believes that Cheerilee can answer these questions. It is this belief that propels Shining forward into Crystalis territory.

As Shining's team marched down to Bellrowen, a Lunatan messenger stopped them

"Please wait Captain Shining." She stopped "I have a message from Lunata. There's been an uprising in Bitland. Garble is leading a force of renegade Crystalis supporters in rebellion."

"In Bitland..." Shining wondered "any word of Twilight? Is my sister safe?"

"The last word we received was that Twilight was heading off to assist Princess Lyra. We haven't heard from her since."

"... Blast." Shining cursed "I sent Twilight to Fugue thinking that it's the safest mission. If I could, then I'd pull out of here and go look for her but..."

"Captain." Flash comforted

"I know, I know, I mustn't let my emotions take control of my actions." Shining understood. "If Bitland has allied with Crystalis, then defeating Crystalis is our best bet. We proceed as planned, tell them that."

"Understood." Flash nodded

"Be careful Twilight." Shining prayed. Followed by an earthquake

"What!?" Shining gasped "was that an earthquake? I think it's passed."

"Captain" Flash said concerned

"I'm fine, there's nothing to worry about. I was surprised, that's all. You're not shaken in the slightest, are you?"

"Actually, It surprised me as well." Flash nodded "normally, tremors such as these were common in Crystalis. They are usually weak and if they can, would cause very minimal damage to Crystalis."

"Now that you mention it." Shining replied "I remember a while back, when I was first in Crystalis... Twilight and I were startled by a tremor just like this one. Sunset said she had grown used to them and laughed." Flash stayed silent.

"We don't have any time to tend to injuries just now, We need to press forward and see to the capital."

In Bellrowen, Cheerilee was parleying with Trixie.

"I don't understand..." Cheerilee wondered "why this course of action? What is the prince thinking..."

"General Cheerilee." Trixie voice snapped Cheerilee out of her thoughts

"Oh, Trixie. Sorry about that, just muttering to myself." Cheerilee apologised. "So um... Are you assisting me in this... Duty?"

"Yes..." Trixie nodded "Lunata's army will soon be coming in from the north. We are waiting for the order to engage them."

"I see... And Captain Shining Armor is leading the enemy forces. Isn't he?" Cheerilee asked

"That is correct. Captain Shining Armor of Solaria."

"Hmph..."

"Solaria is our enemy." Trixie reminded "general, please give the orders to attack."

"No." Cheerilee refused "all units on hold. Do not initiate the attack. I want to speak with Shining first."

"... I see..." Trixie regretfully lowered her head in disappointment "so it's true... You plan to betray the empire and ally yourself with the enemy."

"What?!" Cheerilee gasped

"General Cheerilee, you stand accused of treason of the highest order." Trixie addressed "lay down your weapons, and follow my commands. If you fail to do so, and resist in anyway possible, I will execute you on the spot"

"This is nonsense!" Cheerilee roared "who is behind this madness!?"

"These are His Majesty's orders." Trixie answered "the prince has anticipated your treachery. Prepare yourself."

"I-Impossible." Cheerilee protested "his majesty?" Realising she was surrounded with allies-turned-enemies, Cheerilee and her loyal group of cavaliers retreated to a dead end near a village.

"Rainbow Dash." Trixie commanded "you and I will bring that traitor down. Go around that fort to the southeast and drive into them from the sea."

"We're fighting General Cheerilee?" Rainbow worriedly asked "but she's one of the cornerstones of the empire. How could-- She's been like a teacher and mother to you and to Soarin. Do you really mean to kill her?" Trixie stayed silent

"... If that is what my ruler commands, then yes." Trixie started "without hesitation. You will do the same if you are a true knight of Crystalis, Rainbow." Rainbow said nothing and flew to her position.

Meanwhile, Shining and his troops arrived in the port town of Bellrowen.

"Captain Shining." Flash assessed "the imperial Crystalis army is before us."

"I know, but something's odd." Shining added "they're chasing somepony down. Is it a deserter?" As Shining got a better look, he was stricken with terror. "No way! It can't be... Cheerilee?!"

"Captain, your orders." Flash responded

"To arms everypony!!! We must rescue Cheerilee!!!"

"Including the captain, anypony volunteering to fight? 11 ponies total." Flash asked

"This is going to be a high mobility battle!" Shining instructed "that's why I've picked all the flyers and riders! Applejack, Applebloom. You are going to be leading the front."

"All right sugarcube." Applejack saluted

"Knights of Solaria! You'll be behind them, supporting the sisters from any sword users. You'll also be essential into rescuing the General!"

"Roger." Flash saluted "you ready?" He asked his knights

"Party time!" Pinkie replied

"I'm as ready as always sir." The Doctor replied

"You bet Lieutenant Sentry!" Pipsqueak replied

"Fluttershy, Derpy, there has been fleets spotted surrounding the port. They carry powerful ballistae. Seek them, then sink them."

"Yes sir!" Derpy saluted

"Cloudchaser, Scootaloo, you're with me at the back."

"Right!" Scootaloo nodded.

"All right everyone. Let's rescue Cheerilee and survive this attack!"

As the Solarian/Lunatan party only managed to move forward. Lightning Dust paid an unexpected visit to the fort Trixie was guarding.

"My my... Have they only just begun? Disappointing..." Lightning shook her head "I've wanted to witness the comedy of the battle between the two generals."

"Lightning..." Trixie spotted "what do you want?"

"There you are Trixie. There are orders demanding that you return to the capital immediately." Lightning informed "Cheerilee is no longer your concern. His majesty has declared you untrustworthy, so he's sent me to relieve you of your command."

"What?" Trixie gasped

"you have proven yourself incapable of dealing with a pathetic teacher. I tell you, it is really difficult to clean up your mess Trixie. Now then" Lightning called a Ranger to her.

"Yes sir." The ranger reported

"I'm leaving." Lightning addressed "I can't leave lonely and sad Twilight in Bitland. You'll be in charge during this conflict."

"I'll take care of things." The ranger grunted.

"What do you think you're doing!?" Trixie roared "I am here at his majesty's bidding and..."

"Did you not hear me?" Lightning interrupted "His Majesty's bidding has CHANGED. You are not to be trusted Trixie. Those are His Majesty's words. You share the same sentiments as Cheerilee. You could turn traitor, just as she has. You should be honoured, he could have me kill you where you stand right now."

"Th-That's absurd!" Trixie protested "His Majesty... He... He knows I am trustworthy"

"Then sort it out when you return to the capital." Lightning replied "go and ask your beloved master if I speak your truth."

"I..."

"What are you going to do Trixie?"

"I will return to the capital." Trixie replied "I know better than to trust your word. I'll speak to the prince myself." And with that, she boarded a fleet and set off for Crystalis.

"Heh heh... Stupid mare." Lightning chuckled "If Crystalis wins too easily, then there will be no more bloodshed. Let's do what we can to extend the fun. I believe it's time for me to return to my darling Twilight. It would never do for Soarin to arrive before me, would it? Take care of things here before I return to you. Understood?"

"Of course." The ranger replied as the wyvern knight flew away. At once, the ranger gave the command to attack. The soldiers guarding the path to Bellrowen advanced on the axe sisters, even though it is useless as they were defeated in one blow.

Once the soldiers were defeated, the cavaliers made their move and zipped into the crowd of enemies, taking them out one by one. The flyers made sure not to stumble in the range of the fleet's ballistae.

As the fighters bravely fought back, Rainbow Dash was thinking to herself at the island fort.

"Tell me Soarin." She thought "what should I do?"

The cavaliers were trying as hard as they can to defeat the enemy easily.

"No fair! How come we get less stat gains whenever we level up!?" Pinkie complained

"I have no idea" came the Doctor's reply

"I mean, we get more stat gains when we are with Princess Twilight."

"Wait... What do you mean with Princess Twilight?" The Doctor replied

"You know! When we were travelling with Princess Twilight, rescuing Princess Lyra was easy and we got plenty of our stats increased!" Pinkie explained

"Pinkie... Are you telling me that there are um... Copies of us travelling with the princess?"

"You know what? Never mind." Pinkie gave up. Fluttershy visited a village and received a torch staff. Pipsqueak ran ahead to provide cover for Cheerilee and her cavaliers.

"Hold... Is that a Solarian cavalier?" One of the cavaliers spotted.

"Solarian?" Cheerilee gasped "If a Solarian soldier is here... That means Captain Shining is close! Hang on! We still have hope!"

The enemies gunned for Cloudchaser and a ballistae managed to hit Derpy. Although she managed to survive, she was greatly injured. More reinforcements were coming from forts and from the island fort, one of the soldiers spoke to Rainbow.

"I understand what I must do." Rainbow concluded "I'm a sworn knight of Crystalis, and I have a duty to fulfill. All right everypony! We're going to cut down that Lunatan army! Move out!" She ordered and flew towards the direction of Shining.

As Derpy retreated from the ballistae's range to heal her wounds, Pipsqueak ignored the cavaliers and headed to another village.

"... No good." A young pegasus colt grumbled

"Sorry?" Pipsqueak asked as if the pegasus was talking to him, only to return silence.

"... This." Rumble started showing a Hero Crest.

"Huh?"

"I found it." The colt explained "but I can't use it yet. Good-bye." The colt said farewell and flew off, not before he handed the crest to Pipsqueak.

"Uh..."

The enemy started to make a move against Cheerilee and her cavaliers, the ships ballistae aimed for Fluttershy and missed.

"Phew... That was close." Fluttershy sighed and added "you're definitely going down. Too dangerous for my friends."

Fluttershy started working out the ballistae and Shining made his way to Cheerilee. Pinkie had some fun with a mercenary and his two retaliating slashes did absolutely nothing to the party pony. As for the rest, the group had cut down most of the enemies.

The battle was intense, everyone targeting Cloudchaser and Pinkie. Cloudchaser did have problems but no pony could ever make a dent on Pinkie, not even a ballistae. Pipsqueak help defended the cavaliers and Cheerilee from any pirates and Rainbow Dash started to get closer to the group. A horde of enemy cavaliers came from the north as backup.

"Cheerilee!" Shining called out

"Is that you Shining?" Cheerilee replied

"Why are those Crystalis stallions after you?" Shining asked "what's going on? On second thoughts, let's talk later. We'll finish these enemies first and get you to safety." He gestured "follow me Cheerilee." Cheerilee went silent

"Cheerilee!" Shining yelled to snap Cheerilee out of it

"I am General Cheerilee, the blooming teacher, of the imperial three..." Cheerilee wept "this name and my service His Majesty and the empire has been my life's blood. Now, it is all gone as of this moment. I don't see any reason to continue."

"Cheerilee..." Shining growled "enough of this rubbish! You are still my mentor and I will not let you die!!!"

"... Shining Armor..." Cheerilee started

"I know about the prince's madness." Shining explained "how will your death serve Crystalis? Who will it help? What of your country? Its ponies? Its future!?!?" Cheerilee still stayed silent

"You will live Cheerilee." Shining concluded "as a traitor... In disgrace... For a mare such as you, I know that it is more agonizing than death. But you will still live nonetheless. You will live for something more important."

"... I understand." Cheerilee nodded "I guess this teacher's life is yours." And Crystalis' imperial general has become a member of Shining's company. No sooner or later than Flash started advancing on the wyvern fighters after dealing with the mercenaries and fighters.

"Dang... This pegasus is good." Rainbow watched "no matter, I'll fight on!"

"Rainbow!" Cheerilee called, but the cyan pegasus did not hear her so Cheerilee started to gallop towards her.

"Cheerilee!" Shining called

"There's another soldier that knows me well!" Cheerilee called back "I need to get to her!" Meanwhile, Fluttershy happily sunk the fleet with a critical blow to the hull.

"Ooh!" Fluttershy managed to recover a secret book before it made contact with the water. "You're something to keep!"

Rainbow made her blow on Derpy and injured her to the most critical condition. Meanwhile, the ballistae made an aim for her and failed. Everypony was packed together being surrounded.

Derpy flew away from Rainbow Dash and the ballistae's range... Again.

"Hey!" Rainbow Dash called "come back here!"

"Peace, Rainbow!" Cheerilee started as she came into view "that is you... Right Rainbow?"

"Lady Cheerilee." Rainbow regretfully started "you have abandoned your country and your lord. I have to take your life."

"I know that... I'm ready now." Cheerilee nodded and offered herself to be killed "I have no duty anymore. But you, Rainbow, you're a soldier of the empire. Follow your orders and fulfill your mission. I'm ready." Rainbow hesitated, shaking her lance.

"Rainbow!" Cheerilee snapped "do it!"

"To be honest" Rainbow confessed lowering her lance "I'm confused. Do you truly need to die? Does your crime really deserve death? I know Soarin could have settled this, but... I'm here to stop you, and I find myself that I can't." Cheerilee stayed silent and Rainbow continued

"Actually, I couldn't believe that you would ever turn traitor. And as I stand here, looking at you, Cheerilee of the imperial three, you certainly do not have the eyes of a traitor."

"But Rainbow..." Cheerilee protested "I thought you are loyal..."

"Loyal to the empire, yes. But I want to be loyal to the truth. I can see it, you are definitely not a traitor. I'm sure of it, not like Trixie who always jumps to conclusions." Cheerilee continued to be silent

"No." Rainbow concluded "I can't turn my lance on you, the empire's faithful daughter. General Cheerilee..." Rainbow took a deep breath and vowed "until this entire matter is fixed, I will protect you wherever you travel."

"Rainbow... Forgive me..." Cheerilee wept. It's a touching story, isn't it? Now for some happy news, Rainbow has decided to travel with Cheerilee, meaning that she is now part of Shining's team!

"I'll sink that fleet." Rainbow remarked and with two dive bombs, sent the ship sinking.

"Kill the traitor!" The ranger commanded and every mercenary went to take Cheerilee's head... If they could that is, as no pony could ever pierce her armor and withstand her lance.

Flash and Shining went to help out the forsaken General while the other cavaliers dealt with the cavalier reinforcements.

"Take that!" Pipsqueak cried as he critically drove a slim lance into the cavalier, killing him.

"There's still more! Suppress their attacks!" The Doctor warned.

The cavaliers fought bravely against the enemy cavaliers, taking serious damage, missing some important attacks and when levelling up, only had one of it's stats increased.

"I really hate this level up machine!" Pinkie screamed

"There she goes again..." The Doctor sighed

The Solarian knights have successfully cleaned away the reinforcements and it seems that only the ranger and a troubadour is left. Cheerilee made her move first.

"Captain Shining Armor of Solaria... The Blooming Teacher Cheerilee..." The ranger chuckled "two incredible trophies. Who could ask for more?" As the ranger focused, Cheerilee swung the Silver Axe at him and took dangerous damage. In retaliation, he spun and swung his Lancereaver, missing her by a centimetre.

"Not good enough." Cheerilee taunted

As the ranger could move once more, he tried to attack Cheerilee again, missing and getting hit by the axe.

"One more hit and you're done!" She giggled.

It was the last turn to survive and Fluttershy had the honours of dispatching the troubadour and Cheerilee dealt the finishing blow to the ranger.

"Uwaa..." He gasped "too... Strong..." And fell down dead. Shining raised his Reginleif to the sky, the battle was won.

Once everything had settled down, Cheerilee went to talk with Shining.

"Captain Shining..." She started "you've grown to be quite the impressive commander. I remember what a stubborn young colt you were when I taught you."

"Whatever skill I obtain" Shining replied "I owe it all to you. But I'm curious, why were your own troops pursuing you?" Cheerilee stayed silent

"Please answer me Cheerilee. I want to put an end to this war. I'm sure you feel the same way."

"... As you know" Cheerilee started "the prince was once a stallion of compassion. He loathed war, and he worked to build peace across all nations. Then... One day, that all changed."

"But... Why? Why did he change? What happened?"

"I wish I knew, but if you're looking for a likely cause, I have one. This all seemed to have begun when Princess Sunset and the mages created a strange gemstone they have referred to as The Dark Stone."

"The Dark Stone?"

"That's what the clerics, monks and the Princess calls it, at any rate. Now I'm just a soldier. I don't know anything about these magic things. But they said The Dark Stone was more powerful than the Sacred Stones."

"And the Sacred Stones have the power to defeat the Demon Centaur." Shining continued "If The Dark Stone is stronger than they are..."

"... Shining." Spike piped up

"what is it Spike?"

"The wave of evil that I felt surging from the capital... It hungers... It consumes. It envelops and transforms. The power can tarnish the purest of souls with its corruption."

"Are you saying that this Dark Stone was the one responsible for the change in Prince Blueblood?" Shining asked then thought about it "the timing fits. Doesn't it? The stone is created, and then-- Cheerilee. Where is The Dark Stone now?"

"It's in the capital. With Princess Sunset." Cheerilee answered "she's been carrying it with her ever since the day it was created."

"Understood. Cheerilee, I'm going to the capital." Shining concluded "I must talk to Sunset. Maybe we can restore the prince together."

"... I'm going with you." Cheerilee concluded

"But we'll be fighting Crystalis' army... Your own ponies."

"I appreciate your concern... But I have already been banded a traitor." Cheerilee explained "if you mean to save my lord the prince... If you hope to restore him to his former self... Then I will pledge my loyalty to you until your cause is won."

"General Cheerilee!" One of the cavaliers saluted

"Ponies" she addressed "I owe each of you an apology. You've served me well, and I have betrayed you."

"That is nonsense General!" The soldier replied "we are your stallions! No matter what happens! If you must leave Crystalis to fight with Lunata's mares and stallions... Then our place is at your side. Your road is our road!"

"My brave ponies..." Cheerilee wept

"We'll join the Lunatan army." The soldier concluded "Captain Shining has many soldiers. He doesn't need us with him. Please, send us other soldiers to fight with Lunata. And may Princess Celestia smile upon you, General Cheerilee." And as a parting gift, gave Cheerilee a Knight Crest.

Shining and Flash looked towards the sea

"Captain, we must now take to the seas." Flash explained "the Lunatan army is readying a ship for us now. We have some time to rest until it's ready for us to set sail."

"Right, we'll take a break then. Tell the ponies, the road ahead is bound to be a tough one." As they were still speaking, three ponies galloped up to them.

"Well, hello there!" The pink alicorn greeted "tell me, are you all waiting to board a ship?"

"Er, yes... We are." Shining nodded

"I recommend that you abandon your plans my friends." The alicorn shook her head. "The locals are too frightened to set sail upon these seas."

"Is there a storm coming in?"

"No, no storm... Demons. Some sort of 'phantom ship' commands the seas now."

"A phantom ship?"

"Yes, but you needn't worry for long, my friends." Cadence comforted "I plan to purge the seas of that pesky ghost ship."

"Oh dear..." Octavia sighed "here we go again..."

"Ha ha! Well said, Princess Cadence!!!" Vinyl cheered

"I, Mi Amore Cadenza, am destined to become the protector of the seas! Fare thee well strangers. Come, Vinyl, we must find a ship." She commanded as she galloped off.

"All right! Sounds fun! Let's go Octy!" Vinyl encouraged and galloped off

"Honestly, Cadence, do you even think before you set these plans? Oh please... Someone end my misery!" She wondered as she followed behind.

"... What was all that about?" Shining wondered

"Captain." Flash noted snapping the Captain's thoughts "our ship has arrived. Let us prepare to board." As he looked at the captain, something was amiss. "Something troubling you sir?"

"No... It's nothing." Shining shook his head "all right, here we go!" And with that, Shining's group set off in a ship bound for Crystalis.

Chapter 11 T.S: Creeping Darkness

In the Brightmoon Tower, Flash was tasked to clear out the first floor... Alone.

"Heh heh... This is going to be fun." Flash chuckled and with a swing of his Slim Sword, charged straight at the horde of revenant and entombed yelling his lungs out. With a single slice of his sword, reduced half the revenant and two entombed into dust while mindless revenant continued to charge against him. No matter how hard they tried, they could not hit the orange pegasus. And even if they did, their claws broke as they slashed across his armour without leaving even a scratch.

"You're not worthy to injure me!" Flash taunted as he retaliated against the revenant. With no less than 5 minutes, the entire floor was completely wiped out of undead monsters.

"Wow sir!!! It's like a new record!" Derpy complimented

"Oh shush..." Flash blushed "alright, now it's your turn Derpy."

"Wh-What?"

"I said, it's your turn to clear the first floor like I did... Alone."

"Um..."

"There's no archers around, just revenant, so you would be fine." Flash comforted

"Can I say no?"

"No."

"Help me..."

"Fine, Bonbon can go with you."

"Thanks, but can I have at least somepony who can fight?"

"Derpy, don't procrastinate, the sooner you fly into those enemies, the better."

"Oh no... Please help me." Derpy prayed as she flew into the fray. Like Flash however, she managed to finish off every revenant and bonetrotter in one battle encounter and using a new Iron Lance, worked it's durability from 45 into 19 uses left and Bonbon didn't even have to heal her.

"Not bad yourself Derpy." Flash complimented "although... Those two hits were avoidable."

"You're a paladin!" Derpy complained "you've got better armor than I do!"

"And you're a pegasus knight."

"Um..."

"Harsh but true." Flash interrupted "still, you did put out quite a show. You can rest for the next floor."

"Loads of loosely held items by enemies" Twilight noted "so get the best of them." The second floor was wiped clean with Fancy, Fluttershy, Derpy, Cloudchaser, Twinkleshine, Dinky, Bonbon, Rarity and Colgate.

"Hah!!!" Fancy laughed "child's play!"

"And I thought I could take a rest..." Derpy grumbled

"There's still a mystery I cannot solve..." Twinkleshine wondered loudly

"Is it about the dark creatures?" Colgate asked

"No, it's about these magic tomes." Twinkleshine corrected "The fire book of mine just split into two." She showed the Light Priestess the powerless tome in two pieces.

"Hmm... A troubling case indeed. What caused it?"

"I think the question is who caused it?" Twinkleshine glared at the thief.

"Well it wasn't me!" Cloudchaser defended and suggested "but the tome kinda broke in the same way my knives did. Maybe tomes have durability like weapons do?"

"Now that you mention it..." Colgate added "I don't feel the fiery aura out from this tome anymore. Maybe Cloudchaser is right."

"Okay then, I'll agree with you just this once Cloudchaser. Sorry for the accusation." Twinkleshine apologised.

"All right team, it's going to be the same ponies as before, but different floor. There's a treasure chest so feel free to loot that Cloudchaser." After restocking from the emergency armory, the group had pushed through and took out the Elder Bael.

"Yuck... Spiders..." Rarity grimaced

"There's worse things than that." Twinkleshine chuckled

"Nonsense. What else could there be?"

"You'll see." Twinkleshine promised "I think..."

"Well fought team!" Twilight applauded "now, let's head off to Solus Oppidum!"

The Solus Oppidum range... According to Sweetie Belle, a little-known passage to Mayronyl lies there, hidden with its cracked red bedrock and knife-edged peaks. To avoid Bitland and combat, Twilight's troops take the mountain path. They begin climbing higher and higher toward Solus Oppidum. Unbeknownst to the group, hordes of dark creatures roam the peaks.

Chapter 11: Creeping Darkness

Clearing away the fog, the party stumbled through the mountain range.

"We're nearly there!" Sweetie Belle encouraged "come on! My teacher lives just up ahead."

"Slow Down Sweetie." Twilight caught up gasping for air "let's stick together."

"The fog's getting thicker." Lyra looked around "I don't really expect any more surprise attacks, but that doesn't mean we--"

"quit worrying madam!" Sweetie interrupted "you're going to get left behind!"

"... Don't speak to me, filly." Lyra glared "I don't tolerate insolence."

"Lyra." Twilight explained "she's just a foal. There's no reason to be rude. She is helping us after all."

"That's right." Sweetie boasted "without me, you'd never get where you're going. So come on already!"

"Stop." Lyra commanded "don't take another step."

"Huh? That's going to make it awfully hard on where we need to go though."

"... That fort... What do you know about it?" Lyra pointed out "It looks like that it's been abandoned for some time. Is there anypony using it?"

"Nope." Sweetie replied "it's really run-down. No pony ever goes here. It's been empty for ages, I've been inside so that's why I know about it."

"Is that so? Then what's that sound? And where is it coming from?" Lyra asked

"Huh? What sound?" Sweetie asked then listened carefully "on second thoughts, you're right... There is a weird noise coming from the fort. You could hear that? Neat!!! You've got really good hearing!"

"I'm a sniper... Of course I can hear from afar. It's how I hunt down enemies, duh..."

"Wonder what it is?" Sweetie Belle asked

"There goes the sound again." Twilight noted "Princess, is this..."

"Twilight." Lyra warned "get 11 of your troops ready and prepare them for battle... I think we've been spotted by monsters. They're coming and fast."

"Sweetie, it's dangerous. Get behind me." Rarity warned

"No way sis! I'm going to fight too." Sweetie replied determined

"No, you're too young. You're not ready for this. Are you going to do as I say or not? I don't know what I would do if you got injured"

"Well, the healers we have could take a look at it... But OK." And galloped to the safety of the convoy.

In another entrance at the fort, the Pink Alicorn and the DJ unicorn made their entrance.

"What spacious chambers!" Cadence marvelled "a bit musty... But I like it. I've decided that we'll bed here for the night. I do wonder where Octavia disappeared to though... I told her not to wander off but..."

"Hey! Lady Cadence, this could be trouble!" Vinyl warned

"What is it Vinyl?"

"Look over there! Through that break in the fog... There's some nasty creatures running around in this place."

"B-But... I can't see a thing. But this can be nothing but good fortune shining on us again. Losing our way in the mountains and running into these abominations? It is by Providence that we are to destroy these foul things! Come Vinyl! Let's dish some damage!"

"All right!" Vinyl cheered as she levitated her massive axe "my heart and ears beat to the sound of battle!"

"Derpy! Scootaloo! Cloudchaser! Button Mash! Applejack! Lead the party and scout out any enemies!" Twilight instructed "Bonbon! Dinky! light the paths for them! Colgate! Flitter! Rumble! You'll be helping me support the front party!" She raised her Rapier "Charge!!!!!"

"Oh no..." Bonbon faltered as she lit up the hallways of the fort. "The entire entrance is swamped with bonetrotters!

"They look tougher than before!" Applejack warned as they advanced "they could seem like they could kill!"

"Don't they always kill? But no problem, they can fall by my blade." Rumble chuckled

"Please don't Rumble!" Scootaloo cried "you're too valuable to lose!"

"Since when have you ever cared for me?"

"Every soldier-- no! Friend is valuable to me!"

"Crap... We've been trotting all day and night and we run into nothing but enemies and monsters." Button sighed "is this our end? To be honest, I'm scared... Mom?"

"Button..." Dinky started but decided to stop as she was scared too. Everypony seemed to be upset as they scaled towards the upcoming enemies, fighting against their grief and sadness.

"Ponies... We have to keep our act together!" Cloudchaser encouraged

"but how? How long have we fought? How long until we know that no enemy is on our trail? Whenever can we be safe?" Flitter started as she started to cry.

"NO! DON'T YOU DARE CRY NOW!!!" Cloudchaser roared but she still burst into tears.

"Damn... We can't fight like this! The fear of the enemy is too great for us!" Derpy assessed

"How can we face this fear?" Cloudchaser asked "Twilight depends on us! We have to fight for ourselves and for the others!"

"Come on dear!" Derpy encouraged her daughter "stand strong!"

"Mommy..." Dinky wept

"Everpony! Please! Don't give up!" Twilight yelled

"It's no use Twilight." Lyra concluded "everypony's too tired and scared."

"No we're not!!!" Cloudchaser yelled "We can still do this!!!"

"Everpony!!! This is not the time to give up!!!" Derpy joined in the yelling "We have each other!!! We keep each other alive!!!"

"Yes!" Twilight joined in "Have faith in me!!! Have faith in your friends!!! That's what friendship is all about!!!"

"For everypony... For Flitter... For my former home village... I WILL FIGHT!!!" Cloudchaser yelled vowing to the air, as if it was a heaven-sent response, an object in Cloudchaser's inventory glowed white for everyone to see.

"Cloudchaser! Something on you is glowing!" Flitter noted as the light from the Ocean Seal devoured the item and grew in size to cover Cloudchaser in a glowing light "now you're glowing Cloudchaser!"

"So are you mommy!" Dinky gasped as she saw an item with Derpy glowing white and this light that also caused Derpy to glow.

"Is it time now?" Derpy asked Cloudchaser

"Well that escalated quickly..." Twilight noted, thinking a few moments ago before they reached the fort.

"Derpy. Cloudchaser." Twilight walked to those two certain mares

"Princess." The two saluted

"Listen, I fear as we go up and through the mountains, the challenges and toil we face will be taxing. If we were to encounter a battle there, the entire morale of the party will collapse."

"That's true. I can see Flitter being worn out." Cloudchaser nodded

"Same with Dinky." Derpy added

"Listen, if that dreadful situation comes, I want you not to drop your guard, but to encourage them on. Show them that it isn't over."

"Seems hard. But I'll do it, for Flitter and Flash." Cloudchaser agreed

"For Solaria and Lunata and my daughter, I will help." Derpy nodded

"Thank you so much my brave little ponies. Please hold on to this for a token of my gratitude. You shall get this Cloudchaser." And Twilight levitated an Ocean Seal into Cloudchaser's bags.

"That Ocean Seal from Port Kirin..." Cloudchaser remembered

"And Derpy, this is for you." Twilight levitated an Elysian Whip into Derpy's bags.

"That Elysian Whip from Rearvall!" Derpy remembered

"I hope that when the time comes. You will be able to be one of the core members of protection and morale, like Flash and Lyra. You are dismissed."

"Yes." Cloudchaser nodded with relief and hope to Derpy "it's time."

"Then let's do this!" Derpy happily stated. Simultaneously, the two pegasi flew into the air with a massive jump, creating a burst of light and leaving behind a trail. Four large balls of light (two for Cloudchaser, two for Flitter) chased after their pony, swirling around the trail. As the pegasi slowed down, the balls continued to get closer until they collided together with the pegasi resulting in a massive explosion of light. As the light died down, the entire party saw the pegasi levitating down and landing as the enveloped light faded from their bodies. Cloudchaser was now wearing a special armour: Light, strong, durable and can still allow the wearer to run fast and free. Derpy on the other hand, was wearing stronger armour than that of a pegasus knight, and has taken a completely new fighting stance.

"Cloudchaser!" Flitter started as she was lost with words from her best friend's transformation "You've... You've become something else now."

"That's right!" Cloudchaser nodded "I'm no longer a thief anymore. I'm a rogue! My new strength and skills will surely change things for the better!"

"Mommy." Dinky smiled "only the ferocious and superior of Crystalis flyers are worthy to don this class and its power. Now you've become just as ferocious and superior as them!" She then ran to embrace her mother "mommy... You've become a Wyvern Knight!"

"Yes I have dear." Derpy returned the hug. "And I'll know you'll grow to become what you really want too. You'll be as powerful as I am."

"You know, maybe I'll stay safe." Rumble said "but just this once."

"I'll protect you from any lancers!" Scootaloo replied

"All right... We'll still bear this heavy load!" Colgate vowed

"I'm sorry that I decided to give up so early." Button apologised

"Same here." Dinky and Flitter apologised too

"Don't worry, we can do it." Twilight promised

"We'll we'd better hurry! Them monsters are gaining up and fast!" Applejack warned

As the first of the bonetrotters aimed towards Cloudchaser, she skilfully spun her knife around and made a single slit on each of their necks with such skill that it beheaded the monsters.

"That... Was... Awesome." Rumble complimented

"their bones have been decaying anyway." Cloudchaser replied

Inside the fortress, Vinyl was happily hacking away at any monster that comes her way without taking any damage.

"Let's go ponies! Form up!" Twilight commanded the now determined party thanks to the promotion (or more like transformation) of two of their loyal friends.

"I guess we can't fight anything now..." Applejack sighed as they advanced towards the fort with no single enemy in their sights.

"Let's get ready to fight back then!" Colgate encouraged

Only a few enemies managed to strike Scootaloo with minimal damage.

"That was nothing!" Scootaloo taunted. Meanwhile, Vinyl continued hacking away at any enemy coming for them.

"Do you hear that?" Cloudchaser alerted "sounds like fighting!"

"Somepony's on the other side then!" Applejack answered

"let's help them out!" Dinky suggested

"agreed. Let's go!" Twilight nodded

The team only managed to take out one or two enemies slowly and steadily.

"This is going to be a long fight..." Button sighed

The monstrous enemies started to make Twilight their target and got the worst of the Princess' attacks. A Bonetrotter with a longbow made a shot at Dinky and missed.

"Aaaaaaaahhhh!!!!" Derpy yelled as she drove her lance brutally into the bonetrotter archer's chest, taking him by surprise. "Don't you dare harm my daughter!" She replied as her second drive skewered the monsters head and did a shuttle loop back to her original position.

"Be careful... There are deathgoyles ahead." Cloudchaser warned

Every enemy now wanted to strike the newly promoted Wyvern Knight Derpy and fell under her terrible might. Only one enemy had offered a Chest Key, which Derpy took and in the next turn, received a secret book from a nearby chest.

"We're nearly there!" Twilight encouraged as she stabbed an evil eye "keep going!" And turned her attention on the incoming Mauthe Wolves.

"I've got your back princess." Rumble noted as he killed one of the wolves. "Get to that third party."

"We're getting surrounded!" Twilight alerted as she was damaged by surrounding gargoyles. "I need backup."

"Let me at them!" Flitter noted

Sure enough, Flitter sent two arrows towards the gargoyle attacking Twilight to send it down. The other gargoyle was triumphed over Button's Lancereaver.

"There's some revenant behind us!" Applejack warned

"Be careful!" Twilight warned

"Treasure chests, here we come!" Cloudchaser giggled then stopped as she scouted the majority of creatures waiting outside the front gate

A nasty surprise was played on the team when one of the bonetrotters outside OPENED the door and sent the entire force charging in.

"An immediate surprise attack." Rumble coughed as he bared the pain from an arrow

"Well we can counter that!" Flitter supported as she shot a gargoyle twice causing it to plummet to the ground.

"That is true." Rumble agreed as he won the faceoff against an archer.

"Scoots! Help me deal with those revenant." Applejack called

"Okay!" Scootaloo acknowledged.

"I'll try and slow down the surprise attack party!" Cloudchaser noted

"Everypony's certainly changed." Twilight watched from a safe place "they didn't want to fight in places such as this, but now they fight harder for their lives and for me... Friendship and trust really is a strong thing."

The gargoyles continued on hacking away at Derpy and had their wings pierced. Not even a deathgoyle could finish the brave and mentally ill pegasus knight.

"Why don't you try eating a muffin?" Derpy joked

"I don't see how that's funny." Flitter noted

"Oh dear, dear traveller, it seems like you got hurt." Cadence chorused "let me heal you and get somewhere safe." And with her mend staff, healed Twilight's wounds.

"Hang on!" Twilight exclaimed "you're... Cadence!"

"Why hello again!" Cadence greeted "blessings do come in threes indeed!"

"Cadence, this place is dangerous." Twilight warned "you should find save haven someplace else."

"Oh, don't worry about us." Cadence giggled "as you well know, my divine mission is to purge these obscenities off the land. I will show you the splendour that is Cadence in action! Behold!" And she charged into the fight

"B-But, you're just a healer, you can't fight..." Twilight protested then called out to her "at least join our forces for the time being!"

"Vinyl." Cadence called

"What's up Lady Cadence?" Vinyl greeted

"we will be eradicating these unclean monstrosities under the help of some very good ponies."

"Sounds awesome! What do you want me to do?"

"Just carry on in your normal matter of destruction. Drop the axe on those beasts and enjoy yourself while you're at it!"

"All right then! I'm your obedient servant after all!" Vinyl chuckled and became a part of Twilight's team.

"I see a bunch of mogalls!" Cloudchaser warned

"Hey Doc." Pinkie asked from the convoy "where do you think the boss monster is?"

"You mean their commander?" He replied "I don't think undead hordes have commanders..."

The mogalls that Cloudchaser spotted started zapping her with their evil eye lasers. One got too close to the Rogue and had its eye slashed by her.

"You could attack from afar..." Cloudchaser giggled

Derpy opened another chest and gained a Short Spear, a ranged lance that's more powerful than a javelin.

"Awesome!" Derpy giggled

"Let's get that last treasure chest!" Cloudchaser commanded

"I'll light the way!" Dinky called as she sent a torch flare to light up the area around the third treasure chest.

"You fight very well" Cadence complimented Twilight "but you did get hit. Allow me to mend your wounds."

There was a door near the third treasure chest and a bonetrotter outside opened the door. A nearby entombed went to attack Cloudchaser. As retaliation, she attacked twice and killed him, guaranteeing a level up for her.

"Hey!" Flitter cried "We need some Experience!"

"It attacked me first!" Cloudchaser defended.

Flitter stuck down a bonetrotter with her bow, after she got poisoned by the monsters weapon.

"Ahh!..." She winced

"Not good... We don't have any restore staves!" Dinky alerted

"There must be something around here..." Cloudchaser prayed

"We've got antitoxins here." Rarity called from the supply convoy.

Believe it or not, the bonetrotter that opened the door pilfered the third chest and stole coincidentally, a Restore Staff.

"Wha? Bonetrotter stole mah treasure!" Cloudchaser alerted

"GET HIM!!!" Flitter yelled, the lethal poisonous pain irritating her mind and emotions as she dodged the sword of a bonetrotter "I can't take this poison!"

"I'll need to clear those distractions first!" Cloudchaser noted as she took on a few bonetrotters.

"That restore is MINE!!!" Flitter yelled as she spun her arrow before putting it back on her bow and firing. The critical impact of the arrow was abnormally strong that as it made contact with the undead thief, the bonetrotter exploded leaving behind the Restore staff.

"Bare the poison a little longer!" Cadence called as Flitter held the staff "I'll heal you with that!"

"We'll start preparing a defence around here for any further monster attacks. The back group has caught up so we can easily wipe out any remaining enemy." Colgate reported

"Then lets finish off the enemies in front of us!" Rumble replied

"I'll block the enemy's way." Vinyl volunteered as she stood in front of the door.

A bonetrotter went after Vinyl with a sword. It managed to hit her and dodge one of her attacks. It's such a shame that it didn't see the swinging axe a second time.

"I've got you there now. Restore!" Bonbon chanted and cured the poison afflicting Flitter.

"Thank you!" Flitter replied

"Umm... There's one more monster left in this area!" Dinky informed the party

"How do you know?" Colgate asked.

"Look, that bonetrotter over there... It looks different."

"That's no bonetrotter..." Cadence corrected "that is a Wight! It's a horrible abomination that is driven by the most gruesome and darkest spell ever, and dangerously strong!"

"What!?" Twilight gasped

"Er... Let's just say its a promoted bonetrotter. Just as the Entombed are promoted Revenant." Cadence explained

"That sounds much better than what you said before." Twilight sighed

"In that case..." Colgate started then galloped towards the Wight.

"Colgate!" Twilight called "get back here!"

"No fear Princess. I will take out the Wight for you!"

"No! You don't know what tricks it can pull!"

"Milady, If I don't come back alive... Please, purge these monsters in remembrance of me..."

"NO!" Twilight and Twinkleshine called

The Wight saw Colgate standing before him.

"Return back into the ground where you come from!" Colgate chanted as she took a bad hit from the Wight's sword as her Shine spell did squat.

"Oh no pal. You ain't fightin anymore!" Vinyl alerted as she grabbed the light priestess.

"Thanks Vinyl." Twinkleshine thanked from the convoy.

"Shall I take her stead?" Rumble asked

"Actually, let's ambush it together!" Derpy suggested

"Great idea!" Twilight noted "everypony! Get to a position where you can attack!"

Believe it or not, the Wight managed to strike Vinyl twice due to her battle axe.

"Uh oh! Time to run!" Vinyl exclaimed

"You've got her here. Now let's get healing!" Cadence giggled

"I'll put that thing in an ambush!" Scootaloo volunteered "I've got good armour!"

"We'll give it a surprise!" Button chuckled

The Wight focused its attention on the flightless knight and although it managed to take half her health off. Of course, undead monsters do not have a brain so they just go attack whatever pony they face.

"GET IT!!!" Button yelled

"SURPRISE!!!" Applejack laughed as everypony attacked the Wight from all directions except from the behind.

"Now for the finishing blow!" Button concluded as he sliced the fleshless body in half. The Wight could move no more and the magic controlling him was snuffed out leaving a lifeless skeleton behind.

"No enemies are left in this area Princess." Fancy reported

"Right. Then it's a victory for us!" Twilight exclaimed as she raised her Rapier high in the air.

"Thank you Cadence." Twilight thanked after the battle

"Please, speak nothing of it." Cadence blushed "it is heaven's dictation that I must come here to cleanse this charming place of monsters. What's important is-- Oh wait! After all the times we've met, I have not had the honour of your name."

"Oh, you're right. It is weird, we've met so many times now that I assumed you already knew me... Sorry about my lack of manners, my name is Twilight Sparkle."

"Milady..." Flash warned

"Don't worry Flash. She's clearly not our enemy." Twilight reasoned

"Twilight..." Cadence wondered and found out "Aha! So you must be Princess Twilight of Solaria! It is simply an honour to meet you! And how strange that we should meet again in this place. You must be lost as well, this continent is really confusing."

"Actually..." Twilight noted "we're not lost at all. You see..." Twilight explained on how her team has arrived here.

"Is that so!" Cadence replied after the explanation. "Well, clearly I must be allowed to journey with you."

"You want to travel with us?" Twilight asked "I mean, I appreciate your offer, but this journey is far to perilous. I don't want to pull you in this madness."

"No, no, no." Cadence refused "there can be no doubt that we were sent here to aid you. It's all part of the Grand Story. I, Mi Amore Cadenza, shall play my role and fulfil my divine duties. I swear!"

"Are you sure this is wise princess?" Flash asked

"Don't worry Flash." Twilight replied

"Well." Cadence turned to Vinyl "that's that, Vinyl. You and I are now travelling with Twilight and her companions."

"Oh yeah!!! The more ponies to fight alongside with, the better!!! I understand though, I would do absolutely anything for you Lady Cadence." Vinyl bowed "I would run to the ends of this world and dive into a sea of evil silence!"

"How very like you, my dear, dedicated Vinyl! So noble!" Cadence complimented

"More like berserk..." Applebloom sniggered

"Applebloom..." Applejack sighed

"Not as berserk as Pinkie though." The Doctor added

"Maybe they would get along with each other." Pipsqueak noted

"Come!" Cadence rounded up "we're off!"

"Ha ha ha!" Vinyl laughed

There was a lone house somewhere in the mountains, the pupil Sweetie Belle knocked and entered the house.

"Miss Aaaaaamethyyyyyyyst... Hellloooooooo..." Sweetie called then waited

"That's strange. She's not here." Sweetie concluded "must be out wandering again."

"She's out?" Twilight asked as she entered the house "that's going to be a problem. Do you know when she'll return?"

"Hmm... Honestly, I don't know." Sweetie answered "maybe you could read a book to pass the time. She normally goes out and looks for people in need."

"... I believe I told you it would be best to stay away." A voice called from a room, and out stepped the unicorn sage from Seramany.

"I've been charged with a mission and must depart soon." Amethyst explained

"Ah! Madam!" Sweetie greeted

"Y-You..." Twilight remembered "we've met before, haven't we? You were looking for somepony..."

"... Oh, yes." Amethyst remembered "and now we meet again."

"These ponies said that they want to go through Solus Oppidum." Sweetie explained "I could guide them myself, but I thought it might be better if you came along as well. That's why I brought them here. What do you say? Will you guide them?" Amethyst pondered at that request.

"Would you, please?" Twilight asked

"... Very well, since I have to go there right now." Amethyst nodded "if you need to go to Solus Oppidum, you're free to follow me."

"You don't mind?" Twilight replied

"We have little interest in the outside world, but we don't refuse travellers." Amethyst explained "I should warn you though: the road ahead is not easy, and you do look very weary. Perhaps you should rest a night before attempting the mountains."

"We do need rest, it's true." Lyra agreed "we are all exhausted from our encounter with those creatures. We must give our ponies time to heal, or they'll be useless in an emergency."

"It's settled then." Sweetie nodded "I'll go on ahead and let the elder know we're coming. See? Even when there's no fighting to be done, I'm still useful!" And galloped away

"No, wait!!!" Twilight tried to stop "... She's gone, I wonder if she'll be all right."

"Idiotic filly." Lyra replied irritated "I understand her need to be helpful, but..."

"Sweetie knows this land well." Amethyst explained "you don't have to worry about her. We'll depart at sunrise. I suggest you all get some rest."

The next day, everypony was up, fresh, and ready to travel.

"Ah! Beautiful day!" Fancy exclaimed

"Well then, here's to another fresh day of travelling!" Applejack toasted.

"Cheers!" Derpy raised her bottle of water.

"Shall we get going?" Fluttershy asked

"We shall." Flash agreed and as they were about to follow Amethyst through the mountains, high speed flyers led by a certain Wyvern Lord intercepted them.

"Princess Twilight of Solaria. Hold." Soarin commanded. In the response of Twilight's party pulling out their weapons and magic in alert against the flyers, Twilight didn't draw hers.

"Who?" Twilight started then remembered "you... You're General Soarin of Crystalis. We met once in the capital, Didn't we? You were very kind to me. However, if you're here now, I have to assume this means..." Her levitating magic was ready to pull out her sword

"Yes." Soarin continued "it does. I wish our reunion could come under different circumstances. Twilight, I must tell you, I come here on the direct orders of the Prince. I'm to bring the rebel army who's been terrorising Bitland to justice. It's you, Twilight. They say you've been murdering innocents."

"What?" Twilight gasped "Wait! What do you mean? I..."

"... If you have something to say, I would hear it." Soarin replied "I know all too well that Crystalis has robbed you of your homeland, but even so... I do not believe that revenge could drive a mare like you to such brutal actions..."

"I..." Twilight tried to explain

"And yet..." Soarin continued "here you are in Bitland with a small army under your command. And the ruler tells us you massacred everyone in Port Kirin."

"That... That's a lie!" Twilight defended "I would never, I could never...!"

"Go on." Soarin allowed Twilight to continue

"... This is ridiculous." Lyra butted in "believe what you want. Could one of the legendary imperial three honestly be as stupid as this?"

"... What do you mean?" Soarin asked confused.

"Bitland betrayed Lunata and set a pack of mercenary dogs to kill me." Lyra explained "and yet you paint Twilight as a rebel instigator? That is such an absurd farce. Your ruler commits horrors and you still believe that Twilight is a rebel?"

"... What are you saying?" Soarin asked further confused.

"You truly are blind, aren't you?" Lyra replied "you're one of the imperial three, and yet you can't see your ruler's plan?"

"That's enough, Princess Lyra." Twilight stopped "there's no need to provoke him. General Soarin, we've told you what we know to be true. What we've seen first-hand. We don't want to fight you... But if you do push us, we'll drive you back to Crystalis with your tail between your legs."

"... I see." Soarin decided "you... Are more observant than you know. I have been ignorant to my ruler's designs. General Cheerilee and I both questioned the wisdom of this war. And if you really are innocent of the crimes attributed to you... Why would His Majesty lie to us? I must know the answer."

"So you... Believe us?" Twilight asked

"The Princess Twilight I met long ago was kind and merciful in spirit. Now, you've faced relentless hardship, and yet that selfsame spirit remains true... Let's put our fight aside for now. I will learn the truth. Then I will once again, perform the duties of my office. If you have lied to me today, I will hound you to the very grave itself."

"Very well." Twilight nodded and with a signal for her ponies to sheathe their weapons, her group followed Amethyst through the mountain path. As Twilight was the last to follow the group, she turned to look at Soarin and nodded at him. Under his watchful eye, he nodded back. Knowing that he won't interfere with them for a while longer, Twilight left the field of confrontation and joined her friends to march towards the village of Solus Oppidum.

As Soarin and his flyers were going to fly back, he came face to face with Lightning and her flyers. Fear spread over his face.

"Soarin, where do you think you're going?" She cooed

"Lightning..." Soarin started

"Oh dear..." Lightning sighed "what am I to make of this? Those little birds I saw flitting away into the mountains looked vaguely familiar. What would happen if it were known that you let Twilight escape?"

"Do as you will" Soarin started "we were after Twilight, but the power of the Princess and that of her soldiers have been too much for us. Only two of my stallions remain and I have been wounded badly, we underestimated them. Once the Princess realised that we we're distracted in our own pain, they retreated to the mountains. I've just finished healing my wounds."

"How disappointing." Lightning shook her head "I thought you'd be better than that. Well, why don't you chase after them?"

"I have questions for our ruler and I am returning to the capital to get them answered."

"Hey hey... No need to rush off now." Lightning giggled "after all, this is the place where you will die. Don't you see?"

"...What are you babbiling about?"

"We were a grand trio." Lightning explained "the imperial three: Cheerilee, you and me. But my place among you was stolen, and I was exiled from Crystalis."

"You slaughtered ponies who had no intention of fighting." Soarin answered with the reason of Lightning's exile "the ruler's punishment was just and warranted."

"Heh heh... Heh Heh... Heh heh heh... After my fall from glory, only desire kept me alive." And devilishly smiled at him "desire for revenge. My hatred burnt so fierce that I was barely able to keep my sanity. That hatred still kept me warmed today. Oh, how it burns..." Soarin kept silent

"Hear me, Soarin, Wyvern Lord General of the Imperial Three. I live for battle. I crave it. I have no need for peace. Now for allowing the Princess to get away and hearing my secret, you must die."

"If I had the power and numbers to chase after them, Lightning--"

"IF!?!?" Lightning lashed out "Thou protector of the damned princess and her peasants, Talk'st thou to me of ifs!? Thou art a traitor! You aren't going back to the capital Soarin, you will be dying right here, right now!" And with that, she furiously threw a Spear penetrating Soarin's body.

"C-Cur... Have you gone mad?" Soarin roared followed with the pain flowing through his body "uurrrgh..." And he used his Silver Sword to keep himself up

"Seriously." Lightning returned to her cheerful and evil demeanour. "I expected a fight between us Generals to be more high in spirits and far more entertaining. I guess you can't entertain me at all, C'est La Vie for me! Now die." And with her other weapon, a Killer Lance, critically drove it into Soarin's heart, making him silent. Lightning howled with laughter after over the dead body her former "ally".

"You should have seen that look on your face." Lightning snickered at the dead body "what a face of sadness. A pathetic and a forgettable death!" After spitting on Soarin, she ordered her troops "Go. The small fish are yours." To kill Soarin's flyers. As Lightning's flyers chased after Soarin's, Lightning laughed to herself.

"Heh heh... This is just the beginning. Endless battles, war without end... Heh heh. Hahahahahahaha!!!!!!"

Chapter 11 S.A: Phantom Ship

"I'm glowing!" Scootaloo gasped after the party went for training again

"I guess it's promotion time for you." Flash remarked "Knight or Cavalier?"

"I'll be a..." She started as the glowing light exploded around her and as it faded, revealed a very strong and sturdy armour around Scootaloo.

"A knight. Wise choice." Flash nodded "shall we join the others?"

"Okay sir!"

Training for Shining's team was, well... Repetitive and redundant. Everypony was really unhappy about how much experience they are gaining from monsters and their small stat increases when levelling up. Pinkie was at a high level and yet she was only fast enough to land one blow.

"Arrgh!!! Why can't we attack more than once!" Pinkie growled

"But, when we were training..." Pipsqueak reasoned

"Revenants do not count." Pinkie interrupted. As everypony was completely annoyed, the team all agreed to go restock some weapons and head across the sea.

General Cheerilee tells them of the enigmatic Dark Stone. The product of Crystalis' research into the dark arts, the Dark Stone possesses power far beyond than that of the Sacred Stones. According to the rumours swirling about, Blueblood's descent into madness coincides with the creation of the Dark Stone. Shining must confirm the existence of the Dark Stone. He decides to travel to Crystalis by sea. Midway through their passage however, an eerie fog begins to form...

Chapter 11: Phantom Ship

In Crystalis keep (for the third damn time!) Trixie presents herself to Prince Blueblood and Princess Sunset Shimmer in order to question his orders.

"Your Majesty... I have returned." Trixie bowed

"Trixie..." Blueblood started "you coward. Why did you not execute Cheerilee? I expected her head."

"Forgive me... It was that Lightning Dust..." Trixie apologised

"Trixie." Blueblood scolded "Cheerilee has betrayed us. She has bent her limbs to Shining. Are you a traitor too?"

"Never!" Trixie rebuked "I am your Majesty's vassal. I am yours, body and soul. Your Majesty, please, another chance, I beg you!" She pleaded "any order you see fit to issue, I will complete!" Blueblood stayed silent until Sunset started talking

"Trixie, I have something for you. If I may teacher?"

"Yes." Blueblood nodded

"What is it, Princess Sunset?" Trixie asked

"I want you to go to Ba'aldbull Marsh and retrieve something for me. It's a dragonstone, a very special kind of rock." Sunset asked

"A dragonstone?"

"That's right. It's very rare. There are only two in the entire world. I've heard rumours of a collector who has one for sale. It looks like nothing but a common gemstone. I need it for my research. If I have that stone... My... Urghh... Uhhhh... Gaahhh..." As she was talking, Sunset felt pain in her body and clutched her pain.

"Princess, are you all right?" Trixie asked

"I'm fine." Sunset comforted "don't worry about me. Now please, find me the dragonstone. Can you approve my request sir?"

"Yes." Blueblood nodded "do as my protege asks."

"Yes, understood." Trixie nodded "Your Majesty, I... I would like to renew my oath of service to you here today. I pledge that I shall never again falter in my duty to you or Crystalis. I beg your leave my Lord." Sunset looked at her with concern as the Mage Knight left.

Somewhere out at sea, a ship was carrying the party of Shining and his crew. As the majority of the team were busy hanging out in their ship cabins, Flash and Pipsqueak were on deck on the back of the ship admiring the big blue sea below them.

"How does it feel like to ride on the big blue?" Flash asked

"It's certainly something!" Pipsqueak exclaimed "arr!!!" He cried "I be the mighty pirate captain Pipsqueak! Any evil pony shall fall under my cursed ship and blade!"

"Ha ha ha." Flash laughed "for as long as I trained you, you never cease to make me laugh." As he watched Pipsqueak play pirate, the young colt suddenly stood frozen with fear, staring at something.

"Pipsqueak?" Flash asked as he saw the frozen colt "are you alright?"

"S-Sir?" Pipsqueak trembled "I-I think I see something amiss over there." Flash scouted with his eyes, the area Pipsqueak was pointing at, an approaching fog.

"Hmm... You're right. It does look amiss." Flash agreed "stay in the cabin safe with the others. That's an order. I'll warn the captain." And as Pipsqueak hurried off to warn the others in the bottom. Flash decided to find the Captain.

"Is this the first time you've seen the ocean Spike?" Shining asked a silent Spike as he watched the clear seas and the beautiful horizon, on the front of the ship

"Yes." Spike answered as his train of thought was broken "It's so blue, so vast."

"It is at that." Shining agreed "you know, this is my first passage on a ship. I've never appreciated just how big the sea is."

"Really? I'd never have guessed you sailed before. You seem so calm."

"If I'm to lead us, I can't let any weakness to show through." Shining explained "I must appear competent and capable at all times. You understand?"

"Shining... Um..." Spike replied

"Captain Shining!" Flash called from afar and flying straight towards him at high speeds.

"I'm sorry Spike. We'll have to continue this later." Shining apologised

"Ah... Okay then." Spike nodded

"Now then Flash." Shining asked as Flash screeched to a halt "what have you got for me?"

"There's a large fog following us and gaining distance. In the fog, there is um... A ship following us. Should I ready our ponies for battle?"

"No need to Sir!" Pipsqueak replied and the two turned around to see the entire party behind Pipsqueak "we are all ready to fight!"

"Thinking ahead. Well done Pipsqeuak." Shining complimented "did you confirm that it's a Crystalis vessel Flash?"

"It's hard to say, the fog makes it difficult to see clearly. However, the crew of the approaching ship does not seem to be... Pony."

"In that case... Get 11 ponies, including me, ready for a fight. I feel we're heading towards a nasty surprise. Be snappy about it Flash."

On the intercepting ship, a certain black pony chuckled to himself.

"Heh heh heh... Rise and rage, my precious children of darkness." Sombra encouraged "ruin the wood and ride the sea! Drown your foes and devour their flesh! Come celebrate the glorious rebirth of your lord and master, the demon centaur! Heh heh heh." And with that, he disappeared in his own shadow form.

"Flitter." Shining called "you'll be on the ready to snipe down any pesky flyers that enter our view.

"Right."

"Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, make sure you pick off every surviving enemy if possible, especially the flyers that Flitter left out. Be careful of archers though.

"Yes sir!!!" Came their reply

"Pinkie, Doctor and Scoots. First line of defence. Prepare for that boarding ship coming from our starboard."

"Sir." Doctor and Scoots saluted

"Oki doki loki!!!" Comes Pinkie's reply, causing the Doctor to hoofpalm.

"Applebloom, Colgate, you're with me in order to support the first line and to prepare for any surprise attack."

"We'll be ready then." Colgate nodded

"Finally, Dinky and Bonbon, both of you are on healing and defogging duties."

"Yes sir!"

"Alright!!!" Shining yelled as he raised his Reginleif, "let's sink the Phantom ship!!!"

"Get to the starboard side of the boat!" Shining commanded "the first wave of undead will be coming from there!!!" Bonbon sent one flare up to show the team what would be coming. All she managed to uncover were a few gargoyles that far away from attack range.

"That will do!!! Prepare to counter attack those beasties!" Shining warned

"Roger!!!" The ponies replied as they stood in formation.

Gargoyles from the east and south of the ponies started advancing towards them. Shining noted that the ship was gaining up on them.

"There! The enemy is closing in! Heads up and prepare for battle!!!" Shining warned. As the enemy ship got near, hordes of monsters rose from the stairs and cabins and were ready to board the Solarian ship.

"What in Celestia...? The enemy ship is full of dark creatures!!!" Colgate gasped

"Crap!!! Everypony! Be careful!!!" Shining warned

Flitter aimed for a gargoyle who flew into her attack range.

"I've got you now!!!" Flitter taunted as she shot down the gargoyle with 2 arrows.

"Let's see if this works." Shining hoped as he equipped a Spear and threw it at another gargoyle. One throw pierced the chest of the gargoyle to where it shrieked in pain and another pierced its head to silence it forever, plummeting down into the watery blue. "All right!!!"

"All heavy armoured units! Take the front!" The Doctor commanded "protect our ranged units against these flyers and the incoming enemy ship!"

With the cavaliers, knight, pirate and wyvern rider on guard, the remaining gargoyle attacked Applebloom while a mogall from the north attacked Scootaloo. Shining then noted the enemy ship preparing long sturdy planks for boarding.

"The enemy has pulled alongside us... They're trying to board!!!" Shining alerted. "However, we can take them on with our melee weapons!!! Charge!!! Board their ship and seize the blasted thing!!!"

Shining was the first to board the enemy ship as Flitter shot the last remaining gargoyle.

"Take this!!!" Shining taunted as he spun his lance around and critically decapitated a revenant with one thrust.

"Take out any nearby archers!" The Doctor advised "it will reduce the risk of injuring allies, especially Fluttershy and Rainbow!" Then proceeded to board the ship and to prevent the enemy boarding party.

"Shine!!!" Colgate chanted and a few bigger bursts of light attacked the mogall and vaporised it in a flash. "This new spell is powerful!" She noted

"Here comes the knight!!!" Scotaloo chuckled as she charged forward next to the Doctor and stabbed a revenant until it was dead again. Dinky decided to light up what's south of the ship only to realise that the south of the ship is surrounded by gargoyles and mogalls.

"Do you think the entire ship is surrounded?" Dinky asked

"Maybe... But looking at our team mates, I don't think they would pose a problem." Bonbon cheered

"We can take care of them." Fluttershy suggested

"Stick close to the ship though." Dinky warned

"Looks like Rainbow's got the same message." Bonbon looked at Rainbow who was flying to the north.

None of the enemies could ever do a single damage on Scootaloo and can only muster a single HP off Pinkie Pie and for a knight, Scootaloo dodged most of the attacks.

"I've never seen a knight manoeuvre that fast!" The Doctor complimented

"That's cause Scoots is a pegasus!!!" Applebloom replied then corrected herself "flightless pegasus... But she can still move fast!"

"Ha! Hurr! Hiyah!!!" Scootaloo yelled as she countered and killed every enemy that approached her.

"Either way, she needs medical attention soon enough. That late mogall did quite the damage!" The Doctor noted

"Too predictable." Shining taunted as he dodged a few javelins.

"This wind from the east..." Rainbow picked up "it's unnatural for this wind to be created by a pegasus trained in either the pegasus or wyvern style. Must be a gargoyle's... So that means there are reinforcements coming from the east!"

Applebloom charged straight on into the fog and bumped into a horde of monsters.

"Uh-oh" Applebloom gulped

"Be careful! It's a trap!!!" The Doctor warned as he drove his Iron Lance into one of the ambushing bonewalkers twice.

"I've got your wounds Scootaloo." Bonbon calmed as she healed the knights wounds "now knock them dead."

"Take out the archers!" Shining reminded as he critically finished one archer.

"Righty-o captain!" Pinkie complied as she slashed another archer twice causing the bones to crumble.

"Such demeanour..." The Doctor sighed.

"Be careful Flitter." Fluttershy warned "there's a Wight that can reach you with a ranged weapon."

"I have a ranged weapon too!" Flitter reminded "I can reach it!" As Scootaloo ended a sword-wielding bonewalker's life, it was the enemy's turn to move.

No monster can ever withstand the might of Applebloom, Pinkie Pie and Shining Armor. As Pinkie defiled an Entombed, she levelled up and got stat gains for most of her stats.

"Finally!" Pinkie sighed

"It's not over!" Applebloom coughed as her HP is getting smaller and smaller due to numerous enemies managing to attack her. Their punishment was a return to sender attack from the small Apple filly with the message of death and for one monster, it was a one-hit kill.

"Gargoyles indeed!" Scootaloo alerted as she saw gargoyles coming in from the east as one decided to drive a lance into her. Too bad that it couldn't pierce her armour at all. The javelin-wielding Wight did indeed aim for Flitter and hit successfully. Flitter got angry and replied with a true arrow to the fleshless knee of one of the Wight's legs. Seeing another chance to strike, Flitter pulled a critical, spinning the arrow before letting it loose on the bow. The impact caused the Wight to crumple into a inanimate pile of bones, like a bowling ball hitting all 10 bowling pins.

"Strike! I mean um... Spare!" Flitter exclaimed with happiness, but it did not last for long. "And there goes my Iron bow..." Flitter sighed as the string had broke from the bow after that critical arrow. "Good thing I've got a Steel bow in handy!" Shining saw something that struck fear and caution into his heart.

"No way... Another ship!?" He cried which alerted most of the ponies "don't worry everypony!!! We'll take the fight to them!" The ship housed no monster as it boarded, it was something far worse. A pink alicorn and a white unicorn approached the boarding planks.

"Friends of justice! Allies of righteousness and order!" The alicorn called "know that I, Lady Mi Amore Cadenza, have arrived!!! Now, I shall purge the seas of this vile vessel of villainy!"

"Ha ha ha!!!" The unicorn laughed "nice alliteration there milady!!!" The Pink Alicorn stayed silent as she tried to listen for something.

"That's odd... I didn't hear Octavia's voice." Cadence noted "Vinyl, do you know where your classical friend has run off to this time?"

"Let's see..." Vinyl pondered "she was with us at mealtime before we boarded, but..."

"That mare can such a distraction." Cadence sighed "... Oh well, never mind! Let's start taking out these agents of chaos!"

"The Joker?" Vinyl asked "Isn't he a fictional character?"

"Very funny!" Cadence laughed "we obviously watch too much cartoons!"

"Ha ha ha!" Vinyl laughed "Joker or not, you can always leave these agents of chaos to me!!!"

As more reinforcements came, Shining's ponies took care of the ones they were fighting right now. With the courtesy of Flitter, Fluttershy, Scootaloo, Applebloom, the Doctor and Colgate, the Phantom ship was now free of monsters.

"Don't be so suicidal next time." Bonbon advised as she mended Applebloom's dangerous wounds. "I know you're trying to find your cutie mark."

"There are still more enemies." Rainbow warned. "I may not see them due to the fog, but I can feel them coming from the west this time."

It wasn't just the west, all the three ships were surrounded by gargoyles and mogalls and one gargoyle started to attack the Techno berserker. Dodging its attack, Vinyl countered with her heavy Battle Axe and beheaded the beast in one blow. Two mogalls ganged up on Applebloom. The pirate took the message of the first mogall and with that, managed to evade the second.

Vinyl decided to aim for another gargoyle that was behind the one she killed and killed that one too. Cadence just stood seeing Vinyl's actions and not noticing the approaching mogall.

Scootaloo cleared out one of the enemy reinforcements from down the stairs of the Phantom Ship and Colgate occupied that spot to prevent anymore of them coming out while critically purging one of the mogalls. Cadence on the other hand, was minding her own business until she saw Fluttershy heading towards her, striking fear into her heart.

"N-No!!! Do not hurt me!!!" Cadence ordered "I am your doom!!! I'm just a Troubadour!!!" Her courage started to falter as the pegasus was flying closer and closer. Of course, the alicorn was not her target, but the mogall behind her. "Ai yieee!!!" Cadence screamed as she saw the 2nd Princess of Lunata stab a mogall up close to Cadence until it was dead. Cadence sighed with relief until she saw another pony charging towards her. Cowering herself in fear, she waited for that pony or abomination to strike her down but there was nothing. As she looked up, she realised that this abomination as she thought it would be was the Captain of Solaria...

"You are..." Shining asked but couldn't finish as he was mesmerised by the beauty of the alicorn before him.

"Oh thank goodness! I thought you were a foul fiend trying to kill me!!!" Cadence gasped with relief.

"Excuse me?" Shining replied offended, as he broke from his daydreaming due to the alicorn's words.

"Well fret not O weary traveller." Cadence cheered "for I am here to save you!!! I will grant you the favour of my divine aid."

"W-Who are you? And what are you doing here?" Shining asked

"Ah! Can it be?" Cadence asked "do you not know the tales of my deeds? Have you heard of the beautiful young alicorn travelling to defeat evil?"

"Well... No, I haven't." Shining shook his head, making the alicorn step back with an aghast look on her face.

"Oh..." She sighed

"What is it?" The captain asked

"It's nothing..." Cadence shrugged "please pay me no mind. I just feel a bit like being alone and weeping for a while."

"What!? NO!!!" Shining yelled then realised that he was shouting. "I mean, you can't... This is not the time or place to cry right now." He replied with a mellow voice "I'm sure you've noticed, but we are under attack by monsters. I mean, that mogall before could have killed you right now had Fluttershy not killed it. Please do anything to help us now, I would appreciate it."

"R-Really?" Cadence's eyes widened

"Yeah! I'd love to have more friends to fight alongside!!! As my sister said, the more the merrier!!!" Shining smiled

"That's a good idea! I'll do it!" Cadence smiled back then returned to her graceful and courageous self "now, please observe closely, my graceful actions!"

"Wh-What!?" Shining gulped, as he misheard the words 'observe closely' but shrugged it off when realising she meant something else. Cadence paid it no attention and trotted over to Vinyl.

"Vinyl." Cadence called

"Yeah? What's up, Princess Cadence?" Vinyl asked

"We're going to be working together with those fine folk." Cadence pointed to Shining and his team. "Stay close by. Are you ready?"

"Ready as always milady!!!" Vinyl punched one of her hooves into the air. Dinky proceeded to light the area in the west to reveal a grotesque looking gargoyle.

"Ey!!!" Applebloom called "that gargoyle looks different than the others!!!"

"Oh dear!!!" Cadence gasped "that is a Deathgoyle!!! It's a gargoyle imbued with a ferocious magic to make it more powerful!!! It has enhanced its muscles to pierce the bodies of the strongest predators, it has made its wings more sharper in order to fly faster and hunt down its prey!!! It has...!!!"

"Can you repeat that?" Applebloom asked "because ah have no idea what you are talking about!!!"

"Oh... It's just a promoted Gargoyle. Just as the Entombed are promoted revenants."

"That's more easier to understand. Thanks!" Applebloom replied as she sliced a mogall in half with one hit.

"Hold back those Gargoyles!" Rainbow Dash called as she defeated one over the sea. Flitter and Pinkie complied by killing the other gargoyles.

"Stay strong! We're going to take a beating!!!" Flitter warned and the Doctor immediately grabbed Dinky and put her in his safety.

A bonetrotter reinforcement swung at Pinkie with its sword. She dodged neatly then skewered its skull, removing it from its body.

"Hey! Don't get too hot-headed!" She joked "at least I'm not a massive crazy-looking caterpillar!!!"

"Pinkie..." The Doctor sighed "you've been watching TOO much anime..." A gargoyle left over aimed for Flitter and she dodged its thrust. Mogalls diverted their attention to attack Applebloom and Fluttershy. Applebloom takes it hard, but it was ineffective against Fluttershy. The deathgoyle immediately went on the attacking prowl, aiming its short spear against Rainbow and hitting her viciously.

"Urrgh..." Rainbow reeled.

"Things are getting spicy. Be careful!!!" Shining alerted after seeing everything going on. "Can you heal Applebloom?" Shining asked Cadence.

"You mean that axe-wielding Filly? Yes I can!" Cadence nodded and galloped over to mend her wounds. Strategically, Shining told his team how to take the enemy out. With a surprise attack, the Doctor manage to wipe out the last of the gargoyles while Pinkie took on the Mogalls. Rainbow Dash diverted the Deathgoyle's attention in order to take a hit and as Flitter managed to shoot an arrow at it, it took a lot of his health away. With luck, as the winged monster threw the spear once more and she dodged it.

"That was close." Flitter sighed.

"Not over yet!" Shining warned.

Mogalls from the north attacked Bonbon and Scootaloo, harming both of them in the process. One got to close to the knight and had its eye pierced. One mogall attacked Rainbow and left her in a critical position. The Deathgoyle turned its attention to the Pink pony and threw 2 short spears at her. Pinkie was ever so lucky as she dodged both spears with a close call as one hit could mean her life.

"Where do you think you're going!?" Flitter called out "don't you harm my friend!" And with one last arrow, defeated the Deathgoyle.

"Phew!!! Talk about a close call! I saw my life flash right before me!" Pinkie sighed.

"We've still got a bit left to clean up. Stay on your guard, don't get ahead of yourself." Colgate warned as she defeated a mogall. Bonbon saw to Rainbow's wounds while Cadence took care of Pinkie's. The Doctor boarded back to their ship to take out a remaining mogall and Applebloom stood on one of the boarding platforms to strike another mogall from afar.

"I-Is it over?" Dinky asked

"Y-Yeah... I think so." Rainbow nodded

"Captain." Pinkie piped "my Pinkie sense can't sense anything anymore. Looks like the entire area is clear!!!"

"Well that's good to hear." Shining replied with relief as he raised his Reginleif to the air.

Once the ship was safe once again, the ponies that did not fight joined the others to clean up the mess.

"Captain." Flash reported "the enemy ship appears to be empty."

"And once again." Cadence added "the forces of righteousness prevails!"

"We owe our victory to you." Shining thanked "you have my thanks."

"Don't mention it. My name is Mi Amore Cadenza, but everyone calls me Cadence. I'm on a never ending quest to defeat evil in the name of virtue and order." After introducing herself, something hit her memory banks. "Hold on. Part of your cutie mark and the colour pattern of your mane resembles a great familiarity... I remember meeting a young mare who greatly resembles you."

"Do you mean Twilight Sparkle? She's my sister."

"Twilight? Isn't that the name of the Princess of Solaria? And you have a very regal air around you yourself. Do you?"

"My name is Shining Armor, captain and commander of Solaria's army. We're fighting to end Crystalis' invasion. To be honest..." And Shining explained everything on where he and his party are going, and what they are planning to do.

"Oh my!" Cadence asked after listening to the story "in that case, I must accompany you."

"Do you understand that we alone are facing all the armies of Crystalis? We are fighting untold numbers, and our odds of success are embarrassingly small."

"You clearly do not know who I am." Cadence sighed, shaking her head. "Besides, you just fought these monsters like they were nothing! But do not be startled on what I am going to disclose to you... I am the princess of Fugue, heir to the throne and theocracy of the righteous and symphonic!"

"You're the princess of Fugue!?" Shining yelled, completely shocked that he was talking to a royal, and got completely shy. "I-I mean. Y-You certainly don't have the bearing of a commoner, but..."

"EXCUSE ME!?!?" Cadence interrupted, glaring angrily into Shining's eyes

"Ahh!!!! Forgive me!" Shining jumped

"But I understand what you mean." Cadence calmed "my natural nobility gives me away every time. Truth to tell, I began this journey in secret due to dire circumstances. Captain Armor of Solaria, please be assured that Fugue is your ally. I'll let that offence you made earlier pass too. Let's stand together against the villainous Crystalis empire!"

"Oh... Yes. Let's stand together then. You can call me Shining, and sorry about before." Shining bowed in apologies.

"Well Vinyl." Cadence turned to her berserker. "We will now be travelling with Shining and his companions."

"Understood!" Vinyl replied "I would leap into the skies filled with evil suspense and I'd even tie myself with ropes and chains first!"

"Such fabulous devotion! You are truly my most loyal attendant." Cadence complimented "let's be off then."

"Ha ha ha!!!"

"You know Captain..." Flash whispered to Shining "for a Princess with such a... Courageous demeanour, she is a very lovely mare."

"Y-You think?"

"Maybe you should make a move on her."

"W-Why!!! I would dare not abuse a Princess of Fugue!"

"You know I don't mean that. But Twilight did rant about you never leaving her alone. She's been praying and wishing for you to get a companion."

"You've got to be kidding me."

"Captain, please. Ever since I travelled and fought with her. When it was my turn to guard the campsite as Luna watches over us, I kept on hearing your sister praying about the same thing before letting her head rest."

"Oh... Celestia forbid me when I say this... Fine, I will try to keep her company. Twily did say something about being social to others can bring out support links, whatever that means. Under one condition!"

"Now what has that got to do with me?"

"Celestia forbid me when I say this as well... You take care of Twilight too!"

"You've got to be kidding me captain!!!"

"Nope!!! Gentlestallion's agreement! We both fulfil her wishes, be it the easy or hard way. Her wish of her brother getting a marefriend, and her wish of having you as her coltfriend!"

"But. There is no way we have feelings for each other..." Flash reasoned

"Are you forgetting this?" Shining reminded pulling out a parchment that has the list of ponies in Shining's company... And their supports.

"Crap... Fine. Gentlestallion's agreement." Flash nodded "Celestia help us if this fails..."

"Don't jinx it... I kind of like Cadence. Just how you like Twily. Don't hide it from me. We can share it as stallions."

"Shut up."

Chapter 12 T.S: Village of Silence

Chapter 12: Village of Silence

The Princess and her group trotted and galloped tirelessly through the never-ending mountain path.

"Hh... Hh..." Twilight gasped for breath.

"Perhaps we should rest milady." Flash advised "Is it much farther Mistress Amethyst?"

"We're close." Amethyst replied "just half a day ahead."

"In that case, I would ask for a moment's rest before continuing." Flash gulped "we are all exhausted. We can go no farther today."

"No Flash." Twilight refused "I'll be fine. We must not be delayed by my weakness."

"Whew... Hah..." Lyra desperately gasped for air as she caught up "I didn't realise we'd be climbing so high."

"Whoops!" Twilight tripped over a hidden ledge causing her to plant her face onto the mountain grass

"... As I warned you before we set out, the footing here can be treacherous." Amethyst repeated

"Do you ponies truly live in this place?" Lyra asked "the barren crags here do seem to be unfit for pony habitation..."

"material wealth brings strife." Amethyst explained "we've no need for these things. In this, we are of one mind with the Great Dragon."

"The Great Dragon?" Twilight asked but before Amethyst could speak further, a horde of dark creatures covered the mountain path.

"Ah! Princess Twilight! Watch out!" Flash warned as he saw the incoming monsters.

"More monsters... Mistress Amethyst, do these creatures normally inhabit this region?" Twilight asked

"No..." Amethyst shook her head "those things come from the Everdark Forest. It's been a long time since they've ever wandered this far though... It's as the elder says, evil omens take many shapes."

"It seems these fiends have noticed us as well." Cadence noted "We should move Twilight, pitch 12 ponies against the monsters with you and Amethyst as mandatory ponies. Anypony else should secure a safe passage to the village."

Twilight decided to pick the two knights, Scootaloo and Big Mac to lead the front accompanied by the warrior Applejack. Supporting them in the 2nd row is the pegasus knight Fluttershy and the myrmidon Button. The ranged units located in the third row with Twilight and Amethyst is the light priestess Colgate, the mage Twinkleshine and the archer Flitter. Finally, the party supporters in the back is the priestess Bonbon and the dancer Rarity. With the party settled, Twilight raised her Rapier as a signal to charge.

"Remind me why you're helping as well?" Twilight asked Amethyst

"I'm concerned for Sweetie Belle." The sage replied " I just hope she's safe." Unbeknownst to her, Sweetie Belle was hardly safe at all as she was being chased by a raging revenant, north of the party.

"Wo-Woah!!!" Sweetie Belle calmed "Please wait a moment, we can work this out..." The revenant replied with a roar frightening the young filly. "Oh... So you're not interested in talking, are you?" The filly stepped back a little scared "ahhh..." And immediately broke into galloping once more with the revenant in hot pursuit. After Sweetie galloped into a small house and slammed the door shut, the revenant lost interest and set its eyes on the advancing party. In the house, Sweetie gasped for breath as she wiped the sweat of her head.

"Where did all those monsters come from?" She asked herself "I must get back and warn everyone else... But... I wonder if she's alright..."

"There's some annoyin critters waitin in the mountains..." Applejack scouted "a few baels and gargoyles."

"These baels will be a concern..." Button noted "but I'm pretty sure you can take those gargoyles down AJ."

"Ah bloody can, if they weren't so far away" Applejack chuckled,

"Shall I strike the Bael?" Fluttershy volunteered,

"Not a good idea." Twilight warned "both of you have equal health, and the Bael's attack is very dangerous, even if he has a low chance of hitting you. Besides, even your heavy spear won't do a lot. We should wait for it to come down."

"I advise we tread and trot slowly." Amethyst advised "lure the creatures to us, then I shall burn or vaporize them."

"Hey!" Twinkleshine called "that's my job!"

"I admire your pluck, but you've got a long way till you become a sage like me." Amethyst replied

"Anyway, it's decided. We shall tread carefully." Twilight replied "but you can start on the blocking revenant Applejack."

"Alright!" Applejack grinned with joy as she chopped the revenant down in two hits. Meanwhile, the group of ponies continued trotting slowly as a group.

The revenant were now on the prowl as they start to fly, float, crawl and lurch towards the Princess' team. One gargoyle decided to dive bomb Applejack with is deadly iron lance but... When was hitting an axe user with a lance a good idea? (Except for the time when it's an axereaver. Unfortunately, this was not the case)

"Hey Flits! Ah'll leave the gargoyle to you." Applejack signalled

"Thank you!" Flitter waved as she finished off the gargoyle with one shot.

"The bael north of us will soon be descending from the peaks. We shall strike as soon as it touches the plains." Amethyst replied

"Roger!" Twinkleshine replied.

Another nearby revenant and Mauthe Dog made a move on Applejack. Of course, facing a highly-skilled fighter with a freshly-risen revenant often yields some bad results, for the revenants that is. With another two swipes, the revenant crumbled back to dust, the Dog was lucky that it was fast so Applejack could only land a single hit. However, the seemingly endless numbers of monsters continued lurching forward, with the nearby Bael touching the ground.

"Now! Strike while the iron is hot!" Twilight signaled and Twinkleshine launched a two thunderbolts from above, reducing the unlucky Bael into a pool of acid.

"It is unwise to attack large gruesome spiders like these, as they have high defence. Their resistance however, not so good." Twinkleshine reminded Twilight.

"U-Understood Twinkleshine." Twilight replied with embarrassment. Just for the sake of experience, Applejack let her big brother take down the weakened Mauthe Dog.

"We must be careful against that gargoyle yonder the peaks." Twilight warned "this guy has a ranged spear, and it's deadly."

"Don't worry!" Applejack comforted "Ah can distract him." And as per usual, the team trotted slowly and packed together.

The Baels started to crawl straight towards the group, but with the amount of speed they can get, they're not doing a very good job... Meanwhile, the gargoyle decided to attack Applejack still from the peaks. Once again, accuracy is worse when facing lances with axes, which comes at an even greater disadvantage when it was a ranged attack.

"Monster's smart to attack from the peaks. Won't be for long though." Twilight watched "Flitter?"

"That's why I'm here!" Flitter winked as she fired two arrows to take the gargoyle down. However, the javelin managed to hit her this time, cutting into a third of her health.

"I'm on it!" BonBon saluted as she said a prayer to activate the staff and heal the archer's wounds. Big Mac decided to attack the approaching Bael. The fat spider was so ridiculously slow that the silent knight stabbed it twice to squash it dead and even dodged the Bael's deadly claws. Once again, the troop continued to march slowly and carefully.

By now, the enemies at the front lines knew that they wouldn't be any match for the living ponies, but since they're conjured up monsters risen from the dead or monstrously forged, they do what they were commanded to and would attack anyway. Three creatures decided to surround the front lines, but could do only much as dealing powerful scratches to the armor or skin. Even though Applejack's iron axe broke, she always has a spare.

Ponies who needed the experience decided to go take down those three enemies. Flitter shot one gargoyle, Scootaloo skewered another, and Fluttershy decided to put the Mauthe Dog to rest. Other than that, nothing really special happened but the careful approach as per usual. Twilight noticed that Amethyst looked very distant.

"Worried about Sweetie?" Twilight asked

"Heh heh, It seems you can read my mind." Amethyst smiled,

"I can't wait to see what monsters leading them this time!"

"Princess, though monsters may be fearful, it seems you have quite an interest for them..." Twinkleshine spotted

"That's what you get for being an intelligent unicorn!" Button joked,

All the baels continued moving towards the group. A Mauthe Dog picked up the scent of some live flesh. 'His next prey!' The monster thought and charged to claim and dine on his victim. The next thing he knew, was that he sunk his fangs into the thick armor of Big Mac. In fact, it didn't even scratch it let alone pierce it.

"That it? Disappointing." Big Mac sighed as he drove the steel lance into the dog. What he didn't know is that the dog was fast enough to dodge it this time and it landed an extra attack. Of course, Mauthe Dogs are efficient in attacking ponies that have low defence and everypony knows that mere physical attacks on heavily armored ponies are just pointless (unless they're using a hammer or some armor piercing weapon, but Mauthe Dogs have no weapon but their teeth).

"You're fast, ah'll give you that." Big Mac grunted

As the spiders marched closer and closer, the higher chance that they would be UTTERLY destroyed. However, as the team trots on forward, they notice that the creatures do in fact, get harder to kill. Applejack decided to play safe and attacked one of the baels from afar with her hand axe, Colgate decided to go up close to finish it off. Meanwhile, Rarity enabled Twilight to move twice to attack the hostile dog. With one single stab followed up by her signature teleporting critical strike, the dog was as good as dead.

"Princess, if you will allow me." Amethyst bowed and gestured towards the bael still stuck in the mountains

"Go ahead!" Twilight nodded and with that, Amethyst spun around and quickly created a magic circle to invoke two thunder strikes, to reduce it a poisonous pool of liquid along with burning flesh. Now that the South area was clear for now, the ponies were able to gallop to their maximum distance in order to catch up.

Two baels now started approaching in full speed while one was still stuck in the mountains far up north. However, the mogalls and the revenant still stayed put without any reaction.

Scootaloo was brave enough to act as the front guard against the two Baels. Normally, although knights and generals are heavily armored, this rendered them slow. Scootaloo is no ordinary knight however, she may be young and her wings don't work as much, but she is a pegasus clad in heavy armor, and for knights, she moves deliberately fast, allowing her to be very evasive and can smuggle in at least two attacks. Unfortunately for her, the bael managed to hit her this time, dealing a little bit of damage but it poisoned her. Fluttershy supported the poisoned knight with a handy true javelin, breaking the spider's body and killing it in the process. Big Mac also played it safe and attacked from afar with his javelin, scoring two true hits and dealing a lot of damage.

This time, the revenant decided to make a move and attacked the silent knight. The most it can do was just scratch its armor, before losing it's existence against him. The bael that Big Mac wounded also decided to make a move at him, only to miss the knight and gets stabbed once more.

"Scratch another spider." Big Mac replied,

"Still two more Baels." Twilight noted "and I think there's reinforcements coming behind us at high speed. 3 Mauthe dogs and 6 gargoyles. It's going to be a pain."

"Ugh..." Scootaloo clutched her body as she tried to withstand the poison.

"I'm coming! I'm coming!" BonBon rushed over as she started to pray "Heavenly creator of Equestria, grant me the strength to remove the poison and sickness of the young knight! Restore!" And with that, the restore staff started to glow and a green light surged from beneath, curing Scootaloo of her poison.

"Th-Thank you!" Scootaloo bowed,

"Just doing my job." BonBon smiled "now knock them dead!" Applejack and Button decided to take the lead against the upcoming enemies while some decided to get ready for the approaching enemies from the south.

"We're getting close to a few houses." Amethyst scouted "I have a feeling Sweetie will be in there..."

The Baels continued forth and one decided to strike the Apple farmer/adjudicator, hoping to make a meal out of her. Its claws connected and pierced nearly most of Applejack's skin, wounding her to just over half of her vitality. As retaliation, Applejack knocked it into critical condition with two overhead swings.

"Now this is what ah call a challenge!" Applejack grinned as she suffers from the pain.

"Those gargoyles are coming in quick!" Flitter scouted "I think one of them's holding a rather dangerous weapon."

"What is it?" Twilight asked

"It looks like a horseslayer." Flitter watched,

"Does that mean we're screwed?" Button asked

"No no no" Rarity comforted "Horseslayers are lance weapons that are effective against ponies of the Calvary discipline. Examples are Cavaliers, Paladins, Rangers, Mage Knights, you know the rest."

"Then in that case, I don't see why that's a problem, Flash, Pipsqueak, all our Calvary is are protecting the convoy and taking an alternate route to the village."

"Maybe perhaps it's a weapon we could claim for our own?" Fluttershy asked

"maybe, maybe, that's probably why I thought it would be a dangerous weapon." Flitter nodded. Either way, Fluttershy charged forward and crushed the bael that was in critical condition and allowed the group to get out of the narrow mountain valley.

"all of us need to get over to the other side to prepare for the enemies behind us and blah blah blah..." Twilight showered tactics all over her team.

"I think she's been spending too much time with Flash..." BonBon whispered with an embarrassed look on her face.

"And to Lady Cadence, not for the 'right' things either. Always about war and battle and other such riff-raff." Colgate giggled,

"Is that understood?" Twilight asked,

"yes Princess." Came the reply.

"Right, let's put the plan into action!" Twilight snapped,

The Mauthe dogs from the nearby gate spotted the young myrmidon and princess and dashed quickly to feast on their flesh. One managed to sink its teeth into Twilight and survived her retaliating strike. The other decided to pick Button as its meal and it sank its teeth into thin air instead of flesh. What it didn't order was two sword slashes to its body, rendering him lifeless. In other words, it got a free ticket back wherever it came from.

"Have a nice trip!" Button smirked as he sheathed his sword, but the enemy wasn't done yet. Two mogalls started to attack, and set their eyes on the Princess, zapping her with unnatural evil beams. One hit her, the other missed.

"The Princess needs backup, immediately!" Button warned

"It's alright!" Twilight objected "I can still pull through! Scootaloo is the bigger concern here! We need her to defend the back line."

"Princess..." Scootaloo tried to muster a word of thanks,

"seeing you alive is thanks enough." Twilight smiled "now let's take it to them!"

Instantaneously, the front team made their move. Twilight finished off her Mauthe Dog, Fluttershy flew to the side and punctured the mogall, allowing space to attack the final bael and mogall, to which Big Mac and Button respectively slayed flawlessly.

"Nothing to it!" Button chuckled as he trotted away from the evaporating pool of acid with satisfaction. As Twilight promised, BonBon healed the filly knight back to full condition. As a gift for good intentions, Rarity danced for BonBon, allowing her to heal Twilight's wounds too!

"Concerned for others more than yourself." Rarity explained "that generosity is quite something for a Princess of Solaria."

"I made a promise that I would never sacrifice any of my friends. When it comes to either sacrificing a friend to escape or taking the enemy head on, I will choose the latter."

Before the enemy had made a move, everypony managed to bunch up together and get past the back party in order to be safe from the flying gargoyles. Only Applejack, Scootaloo and the magic users stayed behind.

"Are you ready?" Amethyst asked,

"Born ready!" Applejack replied,

"For the light!" Colgate yelled,

"I can do it!" Scootaloo nodded

"Bring. It. On." Twinkleshine answered. A gargoyle sent its axereaver straight into Colgate's ankle, dealing serious damage.

"Argh!" Colgate screamed at the pain and retaliated with two holy lightning strikes, banishing it by death.

"You've got to be kidding me." Colgate replied irritated rather than worrying about her pain. "I was in the woods! it had one third of a chance to hit me, the odds were in my freaking favor! Stupid, annoying gargoyle."

"The damage is done Colgate." Twinkleshine comforted "no need to keep on complaining about it. Besides, there's still one more." The gargoyles from the east flew towards the closest party member, the mauthe dogs entered the valley and one of them managed to strike Amethyst for a minimal amount of 2 damage, such damage for a secondary class is nothing as the sky's wrath done it in with a single strike. A mogall aimed its evil eye at Button, and missed completely. Finally, the second gargoyle made its move against the wounded Light Priestess. This time, Colgate managed to dodge the attack and returned to the sender a purging message "back to the darkness with you!"

"Keep at it, you're doing well." Amethyst replied as with a clap of her hooves, struck a stealthy gargoyle into a pile of ash.

With Princess Twilight's tactics, the enemy reinforcements were taken care of, with a seemingly endless barrage of arrows and spells, the remaining gargoyles were struck down from the sky and plummeted to their deaths. Scootaloo faced the Horseslayer wielding gargoyle and skewered it's head with an leaping tackle. As they both descend, Scootaloo reached out and grabbed the Horseslayer before landing neatly on the ground.

"No more horse slaying for you anymore!" Scootaloo joked as she pocketed the new weapon into her inventory. Button spotted two nearby houses where the mogalls were positioned. Visiting one let him converse with a very worried mare on how monsters like these started trespassing into the realm of the great dragon. With hopes of protection from the beasts and safe travels, the mare passed a Barrier staff to Button. Twilight on the other hand, visited the other house and found none other than Sweetie Belle.

"Oh hello Princess!" Sweetie exclaimed,

"Glad to see you're safe Sweetie." Twilight sighed with relief "are you hurt?"

"Not at all!" Sweetie smiled "I took care of a whole mess of them before hiding!"

"And I'm pretty sure that mess was still standing out of the house you were hiding in." Twilight laughed "though we took care of that."

"Anyway, I know that more of them are going to show up." Sweetie continued "so I think it's best that I should come with you to the village!... If that's okay with you right?"

"Agreed. It's far better than leaving you here." Twilight nodded "let's stick together now. I may need some use of your magic to help."

"Yahoo!!!" Sweetie jumped in delight and followed Twilight out. Letting her cape float in the wind, Sweetie the pupil was ready to fight for the Princess.

Despite a large decrease in enemy numbers, the defensive barrage left Flitter wide open for a Mauthe Dog to attack.

"Cloudchaser would be very mad at you and me and everypony else if she was here." Twinkleshine warned as Flitter applied pressure to the wound.

"Don't worry, I'm not afraid of taking hits anymore. I can handle it now." Flitter replied, determination and perseverance flaring in her eyes.

"It seems the tearful archer has undergone a drastic change." Twinkleshine noted "for the better, of course."

"Don't call me that..." Flitter moaned,

"just don't cry." Twinkleshine sighed, "Princess Twilight's suffering from evil eyes."

"I heard that!" Twilight yelled from afar "I can handle it too!"

"There." Twinkleshine smiled as she made a few wide gestures in casting Thunder, then critically blasting the dog into dust.

"Sweetie," Twilight called as she weakened the attacking mogall into a critical state, "it's all yours!"

"Haaahhh!!!" Sweetie concentrated and stumbled as she tried to summon some fire magic. After a mere ten seconds of stumbling and flailing, an twisted pillar of flame only seemed to escalate the monsters body temperature to extreme levels rather than scorch and burn it. But as Twilight weakened it to critical condition, it was enough to melt the monstrous mogall.

"My first kill!" Sweetie jumped for joy,

"That's just me. Once this battle is over, Flash will take over for your training, and it will be merciless."

"I-I'm ready for it!" Sweetie nodded with determination.

"Shall I share the front lines with you?" Fluttershy asked with Amethyst in tow

"Eeyup." The silent knight replied.

"Is that the best for a Tavros!?" Amethyst taunted as she elegantly dodged the swing of the Steel axe and threw three identical shapes made by magic into a triangular position in the air. The three shapes combined and Amethyst used it to create the magic spell-casting symbol once more. Landing a direct critical strike to annihilate the Tavros.

The party continued advancing carefully, as BonBon healed any necessary wounds. The enemies did not seem eager to charge after them, or so they thought...

"This is like one of the longest missions ever!" Button complained, can't we have something fun?

As an answer to Button's question, 4 gargoyles came as reinforcements from the North East, carrying steel lances and eager to stab any living pony.

"Um... Yay?" Button replied,

"I see the boss monster up ahead!" Scootaloo scouted, "It looks like a Tavros, but at the same time, it's awfully covered in mysterious colours.

"I see..." Amethyst spoke "that is a Maelduin. And they're the promoted versions of normal Tavros. Like them, they use axes and bows."

"This one holds a halberd and Steel Bow!" Twilight scouted "but the Steel Bow is flashing green! Maybe we could get it?"

"I think we've got enough Steel bows as it is." Flitter replied "let's find a way to get the Halberd instead."

"I think this area is a good place to stand our ground!" Twilight commanded. "Get ready to lure and take on the oncoming enemies!"

Only the reinforcement gargoyles continued moving towards the gate, but the rest of the force did nothing else.

"I'll lure out the Tavros from the east!" Button noted and hid in the woods close to the Tavros' range.

"I'll back you up!" Flitter followed behind, ready to release an arrow.

"We'll take the front." Applejack stated, "do somethin' bout those gargoyles."

"Let's form a line!" Scootaloo advised,

"Eeyup." Big Mac agreed,

"May I join in?" Amethyst volunteered "I may be a magic user, but I'm of the secondary class, I'm pretty sure I can dodge those gargoyle attacks. Just to protect our..." She looks at Sweetie, Colgate and Twinkleshine "primary units..."

As the Gargoyles flew within attack range of the party, while still staying in the peaks, the eastern Tavros took the bait as he charged for Button, only managing to make a dent on a tree, and got his behind critically handed to him.

"The Gargoyles are trying to surround us!" Twilight noted, "form a box formation!"

"Coming!" Button replied, and joined the outer wall,

"Stay back Sweetie." Amethyst warned

"Bring it on you dolts!" Big Mac roared,

One gargoyle managed to land a furious blow on Scootaloo, damaging her for nearly half. Spinning her spear in the air, Scootaloo retaliated and killed the beast. However, another one decided to have a go, and struck her true once again, bringing the poor pegasus' health to one HP. This time, Scootaloo managed not to kill the creature so the other 2 gargoyles can go bother someone else instead of her. One gargoyle went for Button and struck its lance against Button's skin. With rage, Button landed his first attacked, then followed up with a critical. The final gargoyle however, had a javelin and he threw that at Scootaloo. Lucky enough, she managed to dodge it this time. The enemies turn was over, and vengeance now belongs to the ponies.

"Stupid! Lucky! You annoying little--!" Scootaloo raged as she repeatedly stabbed down the Gargoyle in front of her.

"Calm down Scoots, rage will never let you win. Or win properly." Flitter calmed as she critically shot down the javelin-wielding gargoyle.

"It's okay, it's okay." BonBon cheered as she healed the filly knight's wounds. Big Mac stood in front of the stair case as he decided to lure the 2 bonestalker guards towards his location. Meanwhile, a separate aloof party decided to travel to the east in order to access a nearby vendor.

The sword wielding bonestalker made it's move on Big Mac, but the big silent pony dodged the moment it swung the sword and countered with two spear thrusts.

"Let's make a chokepoint and corner that entombed for Sweetie to kill." Twilight planned,

"Yes princess." Colgate nodded,

But nope, the Entombed (or the remaining two gargoyles) did not move AT ALL.

"Dang it!" Twilight snapped, "I'll take point then, Sweetie get behind me." And the princess started climbing the stairs.

"BonBon, your presence may be needed." Fluttershy called,

Yes, her presence was indeed needed, but not for Twilight, the Entombed refused to move, but one of the gargoyles did, and it went straight for Sweetie Belle.

"Sweetie! Run!" Twilight gasped as she pushed Scootaloo out of the way and took the attack instead.

"Princess!" Sweetie called,

"It's okay." Colgate cheered, "she's a tough Princess, it will be more than that to take her down."

"Get Sweetie out of there!" Fluttershy called as she was the one to skewer the gargoyle, though she herself took some damage in the process.

"I guess I shall take the Entombed out myself." Colgate sighed as she called upon the heavens to guide her and help her defeat this monster. Since she said it so nicely, the heavens returned with a critical bolt of holy lightning to end the Entombed's walking days.

"Don't worry" Twilight cheered Sweetie "Flash can definitely run some good training sessions for you!"

The remaining gargoyle aimed itself at Fluttershy and yes, it did hit her despite having a 23% chance to hit. Fluttershy at this point, was losing blood and in a critical condition.

"Oh dear..." Fluttershy wept "I don't think I can take this anymore..."

"Don't worry." Twinkleshine added "the fact that you survived two gargoyles is proof that you're a powerful princess! Just like Twilight!"

"I can take it!" Sweetie volunteered, and with her unstable fire, landed a lucky hit on the gargoyle, burning it into dust. "Oh yeah!"

"Well done Sweetie!" Twilight complimented "another kill!"

"Keep the EXP coming!" Sweetie replied,

"We've got two enemies left. If we want to get the Halberd, we've got to make it use it's bow." Twilight instructed. "There's also that Spear wielding Bonewalker too."

"Let me or Scoots handle it Princess." Big Mac volunteered "ah'm sure we'll stand strong against it."

"On second thoughts," Twilight remembered "you have the Javelin. Why don't you use that on the Bonestalker first?"

"Good idea. Ah'm ready." With a small and silent prayer, Big Mac stepped up to the plate and began throwing Javelins at the Bonesalker, killing it in two blows.

"Now all that leaves is the Maelduin..." BonBon watched as she healed Fluttershy's wounds.

"Let's surround it to the point where he can only use his bow to attack us." Fluttershy suggested. "Not me of course, I'm a pegasus knight."

Scootaloo stood to the side of Big Mac and Applejack and Button followed behind. The Maelduin did indeed swap to its bow and set it's sights on Big Mac. Landing a direct blow, it took away a third of his health. Big Mac retaliated with a javelin throw and he also managed to strike the Maelduin. Unfortunately, it took only a few damage, and the Maelduin has a lot of health. The main thing however, was that the Halberd was swapped for the bow and in Twilight's mind's eye, the Halberd is now flashing green.

"Let's try the new Horseslayer!" Scootaloo gasped, "since the Maelduin is like a centaur, perhaps he's also a Calvary unit!"

"We might as well!" Twilight approved,

"Hurragh!" Big Mac roared, driving his steel lance into the Maelduin's chest, since the monster was using it's bow, it was unable to retaliate.

"Yahh!" Scootaloo yelled, and she successfully stabbed the monster with the Horseslayer. The Maelduin yelled and roared in pain as he tried to shake off the flightless knight.

"Wow!" Scootaloo exclaimed "it actually worked!"

"One more hit should do it!" Twilight scouted.

"I'll do it! Yeah!" Button cheered as he jumped high into the air and delivered a fatal slash on the Maelduin's heart. Ending it's monstrous life.

"Game Over pal." Button smirked as he took the Halberd as his prize.

"A brilliant win!" Twilight commended, raising her rapier to signify victory. "The others should have probably reached the village by now. Let's make haste!"

Twilight and co managed to meet up with the reserve party and made it to the entrance of the valley. The elder of Solus Oppidum met them at the front gate.

"Amethyst..." The elder croaked "is that you? Tell me, does the great dragon fare well?"

"I have no answer for that elder." Amethyst apologised "I'm sorry. I searched to west, and found nothing."

"How unfortunate..." The elder sighed "And may I know your companions?" Turning to Twilight and the rest.

"I am Lyra, Princess of Lunata." Lyra greeted "Our journey has encountered some issues and problematic circumstances. If you would allow us, we would like to pass through."

"Please." Twilight added,

"Hmm..." The elder wondered, peering at the two princesses before her "we of Solus Oppidum have turned away from the world outside. All our honour and esteem holds and lies towards the Great Dragon alone. In this place, all are equal, including Princes, Princess, Paupers, and all such nobles. Is there a problem with that?"

"No." Twilight replied,

"...No." Lyra agreed, pushing aside her differences "... I understand that."

"In that case, you are welcomed to be guests in our homes." The elder smiled "and that some of you are injured, allow my offering of this rock moss, it should help treat those wounds. We may have little beyond our needs, but we can provide food and bedding. You may rest as long as you like."

"Thank you." Lyra bowed, "but we wish not to trouble you greatly, we would just like to pass straight through."

"I see your perseverance." The elder continued "but don't let pride drive you to foalishness. You for one," gesturing to Twilight "you look like you're about to collapse at any moment, walking through the mountain ranges looking that ill. Can you prepare some tea for the lass Amethyst?"

"Thank you, elder." Twilight bowed

"You may call me Grandmother, dear." The elder replied "that's what all the villagers call me."

As the group hunkered down in Solus Oppidum for the night, Twilight, Cadence and Amethyst sat with the Elder.

"Grandmother," Twilight started "If it is alright, I would like to ask a question."

"What do you wish to know?" The elder asked,

"The Great Dragon..."

"Ah, the inquisitiveness of youth." The elder chuckled "do listen to my words, young dear. The Great Dragon is... A blessing and a sign of hope, one that watches over all ponykind. In days long past, when the Demon Centaur made it's presence..."

"Is this regarding to the legend of the Sacred Stones? I'm sure I've heard of the great hero Crystalis who used the power of the 5 sacred stones to seal away--"

"No, no... Unfortunately, that legend is not right." The elder interrupted, shaking her head "surely, must ponykind of the outside world forget it's debt to the Great Dragon? If one heard the story, they would think the ponies alone brought victory. Sadly, that is not the case, and is a horrendous misunderstanding and mistelling of the tale. Only the mighty strength of the Great Dragon could seal the Demon Centaur away!"

"The Great Dragon and the Demon Centaur..." Twilight wondered,

"Although ponykind may have forgotten their debt, the Great Dragon never forgets." The elder continued "it watches over the Demon Centaur in the Everdark Woods. It has it's role of keeping the dark brood of the Demon Centaur from swarming the world of ponies. The Great Dragon has kept us safe from their blind rage with his vigilance alone."

"I see..." Twilight took it all in "my apologies, I never knew..."

"Hmph." The elder replied "you won't have to remember everything, but at least you should remember that."

"And yet Grandmother..." Twilight continued "we have encountered these creatures on the way here. And they are also beginning to appear in the places that we live as well. What does it mean?"

"Ah..." The elder replied "It appears that you have the effects of the omen appearing in the south. There lies an energy which is fouling the air and poisoning and darkening the sky. The Great Dragon left the Everdark Woods towards the south in order to investigate. In order to protect the Great Dragon, I sent Amethyst, my Granddaughter, along as well. However, they have been embroiled in battle, and the Great Dragon disappeared. Since that time, there has been no sighting of the Great Dragon here or abroad. We then grew worried and so I set Amethyst once again to find any trace of the Great Dragon. I am horribly worried that the foul energy from the south may be responsible."

"A foul energy..." Twilight repeated "from the South? I think Spike said something similar to this too... Perhaps the Great Dragon that you speak of... Is he of the dragon race mentioned in the tale?"

"A mere dragon race?!?" The elder abruptly yelled "how dare you speak of the Great Dragon like that!"

"I-I'm sorry." Twilight gulped,

"But as you've seen the noble Spike, I might as well proceed more quickly. Our Great Dragon has taken the form of Master Spike in his travels. And you tell me you've seen the Great Dragon yourself then?"

"Yes." Twilight nodded "he is currently journeying with my Brother."

"What!?" The elder continued "where is this brother of yours!?"

"He leads a force of mares and stallions against Crystalis, and Spike rides and gallops with him."

"Amethyst, this is urgent!" The elder stated "you must leave for Crystalis at once and save the Great Dragon!"

"Understood." Amethyst nodded "I will..."

"Wait." Cadence held "where are you off to? If you're going to go to Crystalis, Mayronyl is the swiftest route to get there. Perhaps it would be to your advantage if you journey with us for the time being. It's much safer than being on your own."

"Good point..." Amethyst stated "Mistress Twilight, the protection of the Great Dragon is my duty. Please allow me to travel with you on the road ahead."

The sun came up once again, and the team were ready to descend from the mountains.

"Thank you everything matron." Lyra bowed "we are in your debt."

"No problem, all our guidance comes from the Great Dragon. Amethyst,"

"I know." Amethyst replied "here is the road to Mayronyl."

"Thank you so much for everything once again grandmother." Twilight thanked,

"I know you'll help the Great Dragon." The elder smiled "but do also look after Amethyst as well. She may not be sociable, but she's the only grandchild I have."

Prologue: Birthday Wishes

Plan: Cake Twins are at the age where they will soon be going to school! The two are excited!

So many gifts were given to them: Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, The Princess Herself, the Twins were so lucky to have such a caring community! But whilst these gifts were the same old that you'd expect from the characters, one unexpected recipient: A Flash Sentry, decided to give them a gift just out of opportunity, in order to shape into the community he was transferred to: A story book filled with epics and quests of various pony figures! This of course, was the most intriguing gift and read, and burrowed themselves day and night before the party.

The day of the Party has come, but the Cake Parents decide to give them a quick birthday cake and some wish making and candle blowing. The instant their eyes closed, a horrible wind and sound shrieked through the entire house, robbing them with darkness and confused screams. The moment they woke up, they found their parents dead, and the guard too late to pick them up.

A sad day came a few days later for their parents funerals. Most ponies gave their condolences.

After that, the fate of the siblings was decided. They were to still stay in Sugar Cube Corner, under the care of Pinkie Pie instead. However, that is until a mysterious group of ponies walked forward and demanded the Business handed over. Taken to Court, the battle was crippling and nasty as the mysterious group won this debate. Unfortunately, the twins had no idea what was going on, and no sooner were the three cast out. Even some belongings meant for them were given up as part of the offer, so the Twins had to choose what to keep and what to sell. Their memories, pictures, maybe a few comfort toys, but what they also brought with them was the book. Living in Pinkie's House, the two cried to Celestia on what has happened to them, little did they know that this book was going to change their lives...

Chapter 3: Bandits of the Ridge

Twilight and company pursue the thief who stole her crown. Their chase leads them to the mountains of the Gallop ridge, where the Dark Horseshoe pillages at will. Twilight cannot ignore her nation's pleas for help and leads her group into the bandits stronghold.

Chapter 3: Bandits of the Ridge

"The local villagers tell me that the Dark Horseshoe's stronghold is nearby." Flash informed Twilight "and a few of them saw a mare matching the description of our crown thief. A prediction could be that this young mare is one of the bandits."

"It can't be Sunset now, could it?" Twilight joked "She normally does steal my crown for fun."

"Rest assured milady." Flash chuckled "Sunset is a princess and she would never group up with bandits."

"Bandits... Here in Solaria, our homeland, I had no idea... They burn our villages and steal from our people without any fear of reprisal?" Twilight asked

"It wasn't like this. The knights used to protect the ponies, but law and order are now hard to find now that Solaria and her army are scattered and in ruins. The Crystalis army doesn't seem bothered to maintain order here. This continues on, and Solaria will sadly plunge into this type of savagery." Flash explained leaving Twilight silent.

"Um... Hello?" A voice called out, Flash and Twilight turned around to see a pale, light-grayish persian blue pegasus with a pink bow on her mane. "Pardon me for asking..." The mare continued "But are you ponyfolk some sort of mercenary troop?"

"Why do you ask?" Twilight curiously asked as the pegasus approached closer and closer

"Please, you have to help Cloudchaser. Please!" The pegasus begged "I told her it was too dangerous, but she wouldn't listen to me!"

"Whoa! Why don't you calm down, take a deep breath, and start over?" Twilight advised the pleading pony

"Okay then..." The pegasus breathed "I'm Flitter, I used to live in a village somewhere near here, but it's now gone."

"What do you mean?" Twilight asked, Flash knew the answer but said nothing to let Flitter explain herself

"The Dark Horseshoe burned it down, Cloudchaser and I are the only ones to escape. Everyone else... Well the bandits attacked them and..." She became silent and so did Twilight.

"Flitter" Flash broke the silence "what are you doing here?"

"The Dark Horseshoe has a hideout here in the mountains, and that's where Cloudchaser went... Cloudchaser is my only best friend, and we've known each other since we were little fillies." Flitter answered "She went to steal back something the bandits took from me."

"She went alone?" Twilight exclaimed "That's really dangerous..."

"I know, I told her that but she wouldn't listen to me. If I lose her, I would..." Flitter started to let loose a few tears

"Wait, don't cry, we will help find your friend and see to it that she will not be harmed." Twilight comforted

"Really and truly? Oh thank you very much! I may not have much bits but I'll do anything to help." Flitter thanked

"Well your highness?" Flash asked "Your choice?"

"If the thief we're chasing has gone to the bandits lair, it looks like we share a common cause with Flitter." Twilight answered "She is a citizen of Solaria after all. And its our duty to defend our nationponies." Twilight paused and continued "I'm only sad that we couldn't save her friends and neighbours, so we must help her."

"Very well then Flitter, I trust you can lead the way?" Flash asked turning his attention to Flitter

"Okay then... Follow me." Flitter guided, Flash sensed something strange from this pegasus but he knew it wouldn't be a problem. In fact, it may be an advantage for them so he decided to keep quiet as Twilight and Co followed Flitter.

The group has arrived at the fort and Flash noticed the doors of the fort.

"Yep." Flash concluded "They're locked. We're stuck outside if we don't have any keys or a thief to pick the locks."

"So we are at an impasse then?" Twilight asked

"But..." Flash continued "That part of the wall over there milady, it's cracked. A few-well aimed blows against this wall can cause it to crumble."

"Um..." Flitter piped up in the crowd of Twilight's company "Its there anything I can help with? I should let you know that... When I was young, I always used to go hunting with my Grandad. So basically... I'm not bad with using a bow."

"I knew it." Flash stated, his previous suspicion of Flitter was correct "Since you have experience with a bow before, you must have some skill as an archer, am I right?"

"Uh-huh." Flitter nodded and pulled out an Iron Bow she had hidden in her inventory to prove it.

"What do you think Flash?" Twilight asked

"All units are handy on a battlefield." Flash explained "But an Archer is greatly handy in tight quarters like here. If anyone has the will to help out, I would greatly accept them, so know this milady, whoever you want to recruit, be it from Solaria, Lunata, or any nation, they have my permission to join the cause of Solaria."

"What about a Crystalis soldier?" Twilight tested and Flash stayed silent

"Anyway" Flash changed the subject "With a good bowmare, we can attack from afar without any fear of casualties up front."

"In that case" Twilight turned her attention to Flitter "can you can keep out of danger?"

"I'll do my best, Your Highness." Flitter agreed now knowing that this "mercenary band" was actually the Princess of Solaria and her forces, and approached an enemy brigand on the other side wall. Flitter launched an arrow above the wall and hit the brigand spot on, due to being far away as well as a wall in the way, the brigand couldn't attack back.

"Hmm? It appears we have guests." The bandit leader said "Give them a warm welcome lads! Make sure to use your axes to hit 'em from this side of the wall! They can't hurt what they can't hit! Now cut 'em up!" He ordered

"It's not just bows that can hit from afar" Flash taught the princess "Some swords, lances and axes not only are used for up front combat but can also act as a ranged weapon to attack people at an angle or a space away, that goes without saying that they could also attack above walls. Hand axes and javelins are an example and we have these weapons in our possession carried by Applejack and Derpy respectively. I found them when I was was carrying out the inspection of the inventories of our units, who knows? They could be bringing a faulty item or weapon. Also, I have a feeling that these brigands seem to know about these walls and would be carrying some hand axes of their own."

"You seem to make sure everyone is armed properly." Twilight complimented her Paladin's duty

"I make sure that every unit that goes to battle is well armed and can be pulled out to safety if they are hurt." Flash replied "Now let's begin the attack." Pulling out his Iron Sword ready to charge at Twilight's signal. Twilight pulled out her Rapier and levitated it high in the air to give the order that the skirmish begins!

Flash decided to do some work on one of the cracks, Derpy helped by throwing a Javelin on the cracked wall causing it to crumble and create an opening into the fort revealing a brigand in the way. Pipsqueak charged first and struck the brigand true while the enemy's counter missed him with ease.

"Predictable!" Pipsqueak taunted

As the rest of the units station themselves ready to enter, it was the enemy's turn. The brigand that got attacked gave another go missing once more before he was defeated by Pipsqueak dropping a Door Key. Against all this commotion, a pegasus emerged from a flight of stairs, believe it or not, it was the same pegasus that stole Twilight's crown.

"And here we go!" The pegasus gleefully said "And not a single soul saw me. These bandits are easy picking." She laughed "I'd better start with those chests in that room." Unknowing that there is a thief in their midst, Flash talked to Princess Twilight about thieves

"They always like to steal items from other units, except for weapons and as I said before, they can also open the locks on doors and chests too, they require a lockpick to do that and for some reason, lockpicks have durability like weapons. Despite giving a bad name for a platoon or army, they are actually very helpful allies to have around. That is, IF a thief would BOTHER to join us." Flash concluded

"Who knows Flash?" Twilight said "Any type of unit can join if they want! Maybe a thief will have to join if they don't have any other choice!", unknowingly, she was referring to the nearby pegasus that stole her crown who now decides to pick one of the locked doors and opening them with ease.

"Well" Flash sighed "It's not just that, you also need the right person to convince and fight for us. For example, you were able to recruit Applebloom but only Applebloom could convince her sister Applejack to fight. Some soldiers may listen to you and maybe fight for you, but not all soldiers may want to talk with you, they'd rather talk with their steel if they were against you! However, they may join us if someone else in our platoon would talk to them. They could be other allied forces or even enemy units too! So be careful on which soldier you would send to negotiate with." Flash concluded his lesson "By the way, where's Flitter?"

The thieving pegasus was ready to enter the room of treasure chests until a voice called out her name. The pegasus turned around and was shocked to see the pony that was calling her name.

"Flitter?!" The pegasus blurted "What are you doing here? I told you to wait!" She scolded

"I couldn't, It's too dangerous." Flitter answered " Why don't we go home?"

"We don't have a home anymore Flitter!" The thief scolded again "Why don't you get it? Just leave everything to me. I can take care of this mess in a flash but I don't need a clumsy pony like you to help."

"But... But..." Flitter protested ready to cry again

"Uggh...This is ridiculous!" The thief complained and sighed "Fine, we'll talk later. Stick with me, Flitter."

"O...Okay then." Flitter agreed.

"By the way" Flash taught "Some units can have an invisible bond that ties them together. Units that have such bonds can develop a support relationship. Soldiers become closer and their bonds can become stronger the longer they are adjacent to one another. Eventually, they would be able to share a support conversation. Soldiers that have a support relationship would fight with improved abilities when they are near each other. There are three levels of support the units can share, and they are gained by standing side-by-side as much as possible. I guess that Flitter and her friend Cloudchaser would have a possible support relationship between each other." He paused and prepared to make a list "However, they are not the only ones. There is also a few potential support relationships; Applebloom and Applejack, Applejack and Big Macintosh, Pipsqueak and me, you and your brother Captain Shining Armor..."

"Me and you?" Twilight interrupted showing her special head-tilted smile.

"D-Don't be ridiculous Princess!" Flash bellowed blushing "Do you honestly think that we have a potential relationship? I-Its not that I like you or anything..."

"Ah! Now I see what your weak point is!" Twilight teased "Certainly not a lance piercing your body, but definitely the mention of relationships with you! Look at you!!! You become a Tsundere in a split second!"

"S-Silence!" Flash protested blushing and sweating slightly "Idiot!"

"I rest my case." Twilight laughed. Meanwhile, Flitter and Cloudchaser were sneaking in the room of treasures while the main party made their way in with Pipsqueak unlocking a nearby door leading to a lone chest with a brigand.

"I sense two thieves around here so keep your items close or store them in the convoy." Twilight warned, without knowing that one of the thieves is Cloudchaser, their ally. Caught in a tussle with a brigand guarding the chests, Cloudchaser easily dodged the brigand's swing and made two neat slices with her iron knife (although it was supposed to be a sword) on the the brigand weakening him. The other brigand guarding a lone chest charged towards Twilight and got hurt badly without making single hit against the Princess.

Applebloom finished the brigand that attacked Twilight with her hatchet from afar gaining a chest key from the dead brigand and gave it to Twilight so she could open the chest. Meanwhile, Flitter killed the brigand attacking Cloudchaser.

"I told you I can be useful!" Flitter replied

"Yeah, but he's not the only person here." Cloudchaser added

"Whatever, just get the chests." Flitter ordered. Flash started working on the other cracked wall while Cloudchaser fished out an iron lance in the first chest. Applejack threw the hand axe to break the wall and Pipsqueak was preparing to charge in.

"Here hold this." Pipsqueak said tossing the vulneraries to Derpy "I wouldn't want to lose it to a thief." He noted before attacking the brigand blocking the wall.

The brigand moved back for a ranged throw to prevent a counter-attack from Pipsqueak. Of course, it didn't hit. The enemy archer gave it a go this time and did hit Pipsqueak. The thief started to strike poor Pipsqueak hurting him but at least he could manage a successful counter-attack. After those two hits, Pipsqueak was still standing fine.

Twilight received a javelin from the chest and Pipsqueak stabbed the thief with his spear. Now that the path was clear for an opening, Derpy picked off the Archer while Flitter and Cloudchaser had a little support conversation. That is, Cloudchaser scolding Flitter for using pleasantries instead of focusing in battles although Cloudchaser now sees Flitter differently due to war as she could pull herself together for a short while. Flitter replied that if something had to be done, she does it. After that, it was a trip through memory lane for both of them but for Flitter, the trip was actually a "trip" which then leads to crying. Flitter started crying again as Cloudchaser was being mean once again which made Cloudchaser say that she's still tripping and crying everywhere they go. Now she wants this crying to stop especially when they're on the battlefield to which Flitter nodded... Though Flitter mentioned it was Cloudchaser that made her cry which brings Cloudchaser throwing up her hooves in disgust... Not much of a support conversation is it?

Cloudchaser started on the next chest containing a hand axe while Applejack cut the brigand down.

"Four more enemies to go!" Twilight noted to everyone "that thief is still around too!"

"You mean the thief that's with Flitter?" Bonbon asked

"Oh crap! I forgot to keep an eye on her. Someone protect her!" Twilight ordered frantically

"I think she's more interested in the chests in that room." Bonbon continued "and Flitter doesn't seem to mind her. I also saw them talking before she went opening the chests. Do you think the thief is our ally?"

"Hmm... Does that thief know Flitter?" Twilight asked the group

"If she does" Flash answered "then the thief may be Flitter's childhood friend whom she calls Cloudchaser. What does she look like?"

"A pegasus with a pale-persian coat and a spiky white mane." Was Bonbon's response

"Hmm..." Flash growled, he realised that it was the exact description of the pegasus who stole Twilight's crown. "I'll see them after this is over." Flash replied.

A brigand threw a hand axe at Applejack and missed. Typical enemies, they can overthrow large armies and yet they can't beat a princess and her team.

The last chest gave Cloudchaser an iron sword but she was out of space to carry it. If she didn't talk to Flitter, she wouldn't have access to the supply convoy and that she can't escape without dropping an item. Now that she was recognised as an ally, she happily sent the hand axe over.

"Umm, Flash?" Twilight asked "how did a hand axe get sent to our supply?"

"It seems somepony has ran out of space in their inventory. Normally, ponies that work on their own has to drop one of their items or the item they found. Unlike us, we can send our surplus items or weapons to the supply. I don't think anyone has got a full inventory and if Bonbon said that there is a thief picking open the chests, my guess is that the hand axe was sent over by the thief." Flash answered

"So the thief has become our ally after all!" Twilight exclaimed

"Yes. Now our group can open doors and chests as well as steal the items that are not loosely held by enemies. If we kill the enemy then and there, we may not get the item. That's why thieves can steal these hard-to-get items. However, this thief has stolen your crown." Flash stated getting a gasp of terror from the Princess as her reply "I'll deal with her after you seize the throne."

Twilight's team held her ground while the brigand that attacked Applejack changed his target to Pipsqueak instead. Pipsqueak however, changed his equipped weapon to his sword so he could get a better avoidance rate which successfully worked. Swords beat axes!

Cloudchaser opened the other door and trapped the cutthroat brigand in. Big Mac went to stab the cutthroat first before the brigand launched a successful counter attack with the axe, but Big Mac was a knight so he shrugged off the pain. The damage caused by Big Mac now enabled Applebloom to finish off the brigand to which she did successfully. Bonbon healed Pipsqueak's wounds and the rest of the party advanced towards the throne but the enemy didn't make a move. Cloudchaser went to a certain point where the Cutthroat could reach her and waited with the entire party.

"Is this an example?" Twilight asked Flash giving the low down of the brigand Cloudchaser was attracting "Apparently this enemy has an item but it's not glowing green. Does that mean we can't take it when we kill him?"

"You should know that yourself Princess" Flash replied "I don't have the power to sense how many enemies there are and what they are carrying. I only see the enemies in my view to where I kill them. But with common sense, yes. If we kill him, we can't get his item. However, we can still claim that item for our own, that's what Cloudchaser is doing unknowingly for our cause. Once she gets the brigand up close, she will swoop in and steal the item and there's no chance for the enemy to get it back. That's how thieves work and that's why Pipsqueak gave his Vulneraries to Derpy so it wouldn't get stolen when he faced the enemy thief."

"I see..." Twilight took it all in.

The brigand guarding the passage to the throne room did in fact go after Cloudchaser missing her completely and left open to two true strikes from Cloudchaser.

Cloudchaser didn't finish the brigand, instead was going to steal the brigand's Pure Water. But her inventory was full so she had an idea.

"Here hold this." Cloudchaser asked tossing her iron lance to Big Mac which he caught.

"Umm... No thanks" Big Mac rejected the weapon since he didn't know who the thief that gave him the lance.

"I'll take it!" Pipsqueak piped up as took the weapon from Big Mac "thanks!"

"No problem." Cloudchaser replied, now she was able to steal the item from the brigand. "Thank you!" She sarcastically thanked the brigand as she snatched the Pure Water.

"Hey!" The brigand yelled as Cloudchaser started galloping away. The distraction managed to set up Applebloom for a final attack which worked as she threw the hatchet.

"Anyone want to take some items off me?" Cloudchaser asked to which Flitter took the Pure Water and Applejack kindly took the spare sword even though she doesn't use swords. The enemy refused to move so with the same tactic again, Cloudchaser lured the enemy mercenary this time and stole the antitoxin though she got hit by the enemy and could only manage a single counter-attack. As support for Cloudchaser and retaliation against the mercenary, Flitter shot an arrow from her bow and Pipsqueak threw the Javelin he got from Twilight. Now the leader of the Dark Horseshoe was the only enemy left.

"Be careful" Twilight warned "he has a hand axe and a dangerous steel axe, but he's not going to leave the throne." Planning an attack, the party knew what to do and started fighting.

"I'm the mighty head of this bandit pack!" He addressed then taunted to Flitter "hope you've enjoyed life, 'cuz it's about to end!" Flitter shot him in reply and he ducked with the arrow sailing harmlessly past him. But he was unable to counter-attack because he had his Steel Axe equipped right now and didn't have enough time to change. After getting healed by Bonbon, Cloudchaser started to attack. She managed to hit him twice and avoiding the dangerous swing of the leader's axe. The leader shrugged off the pain like it was nothing. With Twilight at the back of the party, the team started to surround him staying away from his attack range except for Cloudchaser and Flitter.

The leader healed some of his wounds on the throne and attempted to hit Cloudchaser again. After dodging the attack, Cloudchaser retaliated twice once more.

"Now's our chance!" Flash yelled to signal an all-out attack. Pipsqueak struck first but got hit by the leader taking out a chunk of his health. It was dangerous for Pipsqueak now, one more successful hit from the enemy and he's done for! Cloudchaser allowed a space for Twilight to attack by going off to left-hand side of the leader to attack him there. One more hit seemed enough to take the leader out so Applebloom took the initiative and successfully killed him.

"I'm the mighty... bandit... This... ain't-" He started before he ceased talking permanently. In the end, Twilight reached the throne and raised her Rapier into the sky to capture it and win the battle.

"Cl-Cloudchaser..." Flitter sniffed as she was reunited with her friend again after the battle.

"What now?" Cloudchaser replied harshly "I told you not to worry. I could've robbed these bandits blind on my own, thank you very much."

"I was... Worried." Flitter answered sniffling with tears starting to form

"H-Hold on!" Cloudchaser protested trying to stop Flitter "I'm sorry! C'mon! Don't start bawling!" But Flitter was all ready to cry.

"No more... Dangerous stuff... By yourself." She replied before she started to cry

"Fine, fine. I promise" Cloudchaser promised "But you have to stop crying all the time. Is that a promise?"

"Okay then..." Flitter sniffed, then Cloudchaser took out something from her bag

"Take a look at this." She gestured

"What is it?"

"I got your mirror back." Cloudchaser replied "Remember how you cried when we left our village? You thought you'd lost this." She paused and continued "I know it was your mother's, and that these thugs have taken it. So I went and got it back for you! See what happens when you give me a job? Guaranteed results!"

"Cloudchaser..." Flitter sniffed starting to cry once more but this time with joy "Aa... Waaah... Cloudchaser..."

"Oh no... Why are you crying this time?" Cloudchaser started with fear "Please! Stop! Knock it off! C'mon Flitter..."

"This is quite touching..." Flash interrupted the moment as he walked towards Cloudchaser "But, you'd best return Princess Twilight's crown to her now." He stated as he grabbed Flitter's bags dragging her along.

"Wh-What are you talking about?" Cloudchaser defended trying to wriggle free of Flash's grip to no avail. "Are you trying to say that I--" And immediately obeyed as Flash pulled out his sword threatening to silence her if she doesn't shut up and give it back. "Okay! Okay! Whoa! Hold it there! It's right here! Take it! Just don't kill me!" Cloudchaser fearfully offered Twilight's crown on one of her hoofs to which Flash immediately took it off her and letting her go.

"Tell me young lady." Flash asked as he put away his sword "is this the path you've chosen for your life? Because if this mare matters to you, you must quit this dark road." He advised

"Uh... Sure, yeah, okay, right." Cloudchaser replied with many statements of agreement.

"We're leaving this place now so don't expect to be rescued again." Flash noted "farewell."

"Hey wait!" Cloudchaser called back to which Flash stopped "let us go with you." Cloudchaser persuaded "you can't just leave us here."

"Beg your pardon?" Flash turned his head back towards the duo surprised of her proposition.

"Flitter and I... We've got no home to return to." Cloudchaser explained "no matter where we go, there's just going to be more fighting. You're mercenaries right? Well, take us with you. I'm a handy pony to have around and I know I can help you out, when and where."

"Hmm..." Flash decided "I would prefer not to, but I'll agree with Twilight's decision." He agreed "our duty is a grave one however, and we don't have time to waste shepherding you."

"Fine by me then." Cloudchaser nodded "I promise you that you won't regret your decision. You'll see soon enough."

"I retrieved your crown from the bandits stronghold." Flash reported to Twilight giving back the crown "here you are princess. The thief that stole it from you and her archer friend Cloudchaser and Flitter will also be joining our ranks."

"Thank you Flash." Twilight thanked "you know... Princess Celestia gave me this crown when I was a child. It was made together with a crest and that is worn by my brother."

"Lady Sparkle" Flash advised "you must never lose that crown. Take care of it as it is proof that Princess Celestia has entrusted the future of Solaria to you. Her number one student and commander."

"Flash..." Twilight started getting suspicious "what is it you're not telling me?"

"I apologise your Highness. All in due time, I will tell everything but until then..." He apologised until Twilight raised her hand to stop him halfway.

"I understand Flash. If you tell me that this has to wait, I will wait. I trust you." She concluded

"In that case, we should best get going. We may be safe from bandits but I do not know how long."

"This... This is just the start isn't it?" Twilight fearfully asked "if we are to free our homeland, the battles would be endless..."

"Yes your highness, I'm afraid you are correct. But this will happen and I will put my life on it if it doesn't: The day you and Captain Armor win back the freedom and honour of Solaria will come. But it lies ahead at the end of a long and treacherous road."

"I know" Twilight answered "I must, and will fight for that day. I'll lead us home, for the names of all the ponies I have failed to save. Let's go, my brother awaits!" Twilight commanded and Flash rounded up the party to set off for another long day of travelling.

Meanwhile one of the hall ways of Crystalis keep, the three generals of Crystalis were talking with each other with what happened at Solaria. The Great and Powerful Trixie, the unicorn general, Cheerilee, the earth pony general and Soarin, the pegasus general.

"General Cheerilee" Trixie greeted

"Ah. Trixie, long time till you've come back" Cheerilee greeted with open arms "tell me, how did it go in Solaria?"

"Many signs of chaos abound." Trixie reported "the brigands ride with no fear and the cries of the civilians fill the air."

"Hmm..." Cheerilee wondered then replied "If Crystalis' troops do not enforce public order, this situation will get worse. And yet, His Majesty has still not given us any orders. Maybe I should take the lead for once."

"What is His Majesty thinking?" Soarin asked "to break our long-held alliance with Solaria and invade without properly declaring a war against them and with no warning... He's never been like this, he hates violence." Trixie stayed silent at that response so Soarin continued "and did you know the recent promotions? Who are they going to, and why?" He asked another questioned and put his guess in "definitely not to the soldiers who put the best interests of Crystalis to heart. I fear our recent invasion is the beginning of a much larger war. I also think and feel that His Majesty is no longer the man we knew him to be." Soarin feared

"Soarin" Trixie started "it doesn't matter what any of us might think of our orders. We serve and obey him, and will not question the intentions of His Majesty."

"I know that Trixie." Soarin grumbled "and yet..."

"That's enough both of you." Cheerilee ordered stopping the debate "His Majesty summons us. Maybe we can learn a little during our visit."

The three made themselves present before their ruler, Prince Blueblood.

"I appreciate your work in fulfilling your previous orders." The Prince started "you are the hammers that drive in the nails of the empire's will." He then complimented "you will continue to operate... Without hesitation... Wherever I send you." He finally ordered.

"By your command." Cheerilee replied bowing to him.

"In Your Majesty's name." Trixie replied also bowing.

"Yes sire..." Soarin bowed, but with a little hesitation on his ending phrase. The prince gave the signal for them to rise

"However..." Blueblood continued "I know that you, my imperial three, lack the strength to conquer the remaining nations alone. Certain soldiers performed beyond expectation during the invasion of Solaria. I have chosen them to join you as new generals in the empire's service... Come" He commanded and the doors opened to let three other ponies come in. Only that only that two of them were, one was a griffin. Soarin had a aghast look seeing one of his horrid ponies becoming a general.

"The performance of these ponies and griffin has surpassed even your own." He explained "with the addition of these three, the empire will have six generals enough to conquer this land, do you understand?"

"Heh heh heh..." The black unicorn chuckled "I am Sombra, given the name of Dark Risen by His Majesty. I may be a newcomer, but I pray for your favor."

"Understood." Cheerilee replied, the griffin was next to speak

"Sup losers! I'm Gilda, I was a mercenary that fought in the desert, now It seems I am to be called Eagle Talon though I'm cooler than eagles. You seem cool enough Miss Wizard, I look forward to working with you." She greeted while Trixie stayed silent

"So we meet again." The light opal Pegasus that wounded Flash Sentry greeted "you know me as general Lightning Dust, but you will call me the Triple-Star Lightning Bolt. I'll save you worthless donkeys from your own incompetence. You'll thank me later."

"Lightning Dust... You scum!" Soarin held his anger

"Peace Soarin." Cheerilee calmed.

"Trixie, Gilda." Blueblood commanded "you will bring me Lunata."

"Yes sir." Trixie obeyed

"Good as done." Gilda obeyed

"Sombra, Cheerilee. You are to defend the empire and I will speak to you individually with more details later." He continued

"Heh... Understood Your Majesty." Sombra obeyed

"By your command, sire." Cheerilee repeated

"And me?" Lightning Dust asked

"Lightning Dust, Soarin..." He started again "I have other duties for you."

"Yes, your majesty?" Soarin listened

"Solaria has fallen, but Princess Twilight still eludes us... Her brother, the Captain of Solaria, leads a resistance within our borders." He briefed "Bring them to me."

"Ha ha... Of course." Lightning Dust obeyed but Soarin stayed silent.