My Little Fire Emblem – Uprising Generation

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.