Benevolence Over Vengeance

by Woobaloo

Rating: teen
Tags: Tragedy, Sad, Romance
Length: 6245

Rainbow Dash has taken over as ruler of Equestria, only to find that war is spread as the other countries rise up in rebellion! Will she follow the true path to ruling, or will hatred consume her heart?

Zephyr, loyal protector of the new ruler Rainbow Dash, takes his final stand at the gates of Canterlot as the the enemy charges forth. After telling Rainbow to flee into the castle, he is struck by multiple arrows, leaving him extremely wounded. However, he pleads for her to flee and he stands at the gates… for the people… for Rainbow Dash…

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2014-01-23 04:50:05 UTC

The Final Stand

Rainbow Dash

I remember that day so clearly... it haunts me so much. Why would he do that? Why would he stand at those gates for me, knowing he'll face death? If only I could forget...

"The enemy is right behind us, my lady!" a soldier warned as we fled for Canterlot.

"The enemy?" Zephyr questioned. Turning around, I saw him looking at the approaching enemy.

"Go..." he whispered. I stared at him in disbelief.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"The enemy approaches with tremendous speed and strength. I made a pledge... that I was to protect you from all harm. Our gates will not withstand their attack. Go inside..." he responded. He kept a straight face as he stared out at the enemy forces.

"I can't leave you behind!" I shouted.

"That is how is must be! I will try to live through this, but I promise you this. I will not let a single enemy past this gate!" He stood up on his back legs, unleashing a spear from his back holster. As he stood, an arrow hit his chest.

"Agh! GO! NOW!" he shouted.

"NO! I'm not leaving you behind! I need you!" I retaliated.

"GO! Stop arguing with me and go!" Another arrow hit him.

"Zephyr!"  shouted one of the soldiers.

"Go with her... my duty in this life is to protect you Rainbow. For the people and for my lady... I CANNOT FAIL!" he stood and pointed his spear at the enemy. I turned and opened the gates, turning to close them as the first soldier reached him. The last I saw, was him killing all who dared to try and enter this castle.

The gates closed shut and collapsed. I was overwhelmed by tears. My head began to spin and that I blacked out...

That is all I remembered. I hadn't left my room since I was brought up here after I lost consciousness. Applejack and Twilight kept knocking at my door, but I told them to go away. He death was on my hooves... Why would he sacrifice himself for me?!

"Rainbow... they found him..." The voice was Twilight's.

"Really?! Is he alright?!" I screamed as I busted down the door and flew down the staircase. I entered the main hall to see a coffin.

"Ah'm really sorry, Dash..." Applejack whispered. My mind was blank as I trotted over to where the coffin was. Inside, I saw him... scarred and bloodied. The dried blood masking his usual grey coat. I broke into tears as I saw what was clutched in his hoof. It was a picture of me at my coronation along with a note. I opened it and read it. It had said:

Dear Rainbow Dash,

I hope you are able to read this, since they were written with my final breath. I'm so sorry for failing you. I swore to keep you protected from harm and now I'm gone, unable to help. Do me one thing: Survive and follow the path of peace and benevolence, for it is the true path of leaders. I will always miss you Rainbow Dash, but I will always be by your side even if I have passed. Stay safe, my lady...

"He... he apologized... to me?" I spoke aloud. "No... it is my fault... I got him killed. No... he isn't dead... he's just captured... the enemy... he's out there... somewhere," I whispered to myself.

"The evidence is overwhelming. His body lays before us. That note proves it as well," countered Twilight.

"You dare question his survival?! He died for us Twilight! Does that mean nothing to you?! Did he mean nothing to you?!" I shouted in rage. "Rally the troops! We march on the enemy at dawn! I want him brought back to me! To his people! For justice!"

"He said to follow the path of benevolence! This is vengeance! Hatred! Honor his dying wish!" shouted Twilight.

"HE ISN'T DEAD!" I shouted. I knew in my heart... that he was still alive... somewhere... I had to find him!

Return of a Friend... or Foe?

Zephyr

I awoke with a start, surrounded by darkness. I was dead, certain of it. At least I'd given my life in service to Rainbow Dash and the people. But yet, I felt so empty. I had failed to protect her. I broke my vow... my oath. I'm more likely in pony hell than pony heaven.

"It took you long enough to wake up!" shouted a voice. I tried to sit up, but was bound in iron chains.

"Is this hell? To be tortured for failing my lady?" I asked.

"No no no. You're still alive, but you won't be if you don't agree to help me," the voice responded.

"If it would mean getting back to Rainbow's side, I would do it," I told the stranger confidently.

"Good! So you won't mind killing your own friends?" he asked. Who the hell was this person?

"Who are you?" I asked back.

"You don't remember me? I am Xaipher, leader of the rebellion." My mind turned from the friendly environment to a large fire of rage and resentment.

"Let me go coward! Have me chained up to silence me? Why not face me yourself?!" I shouted.

"Such foolishness. I need you,"  he replied.

"Why?!" I screamed at him.

"You are the greatest warrior in the land. Can't you see Dash brings despair? As we speak, she marches to reinforce Nova Castle. I need you to slay the two ponies that could stop me from taking it before their arrival. Flash Sentry and Guardeye," he explained.

"I'll never turn against my friends!" I shouted back.

"You will if you want to see your precious Rainbow Dash again," he countered. I didn't know what to do. Kill my friends to see her again, or die and end the Equestrian forces chances of winning?

"You promise I shall see her again?" I asked.

"I promise Zephyr. Now we begin the march. Take out Flash Sentry and Guardeye, then bust down the gates and slay the enemy commander!" he ordered.

"They know I'm alive Xaipher. They'll look for me," I told him.

"Good! But, only Dash would think you're alive considering we had a look-alike take your place at the battlefield. We dragged you off so you could do this service to us," he explained. Another shard of hope, gone.

"Who commands the forces at Nova Castle?" I asked.

"Your old friend... Fluttershy."

We arrived at the brink of dawn. We set up camp and began to set up defenses. I could only stare out at the forces before me. My friends... the ones I fought to protect... stand ready. Not knowing that I will be the one they fight...

"Why do you look so down Zephyr?" asked Xaipher. I didn't even acknowledge his question, just continued to look. "Pah, you're useless for having a conversation with!" he exclaimed after walking away. The horn sounded and the Rebellion forces charged forth, with me leading the pack. The first cry of battle was heard.

"Lord Zephyr?!" Voices began to shout among the now frightened ranks. I did nothing but continued to repay my debt. I killed soldier after soldier, none being able to match my strength. I knew where my objectives were stationed. The east and west gates. Flash Sentry was my first target, considering he was the strongest. Defeating him will lower the moral of every pony of the battlefield. As I continued on, the pain in my heart grew. The blood splattered my armor and my spear was no longer shining, but was drenched in the blood of the people I used to fight for. After continuous battle, I spotted him.

"Flash Sentry!" I shouted as I swung my spear, cutting through 3 pony soldiers.

"Lord Zephyr? What are you doing?" he asked.

"I'm sorry... but I must repay my debt to Xaipher. He kept me alive so I could see her again... now I must slay you," I responded with bitterness in my voice. I did a swift upper-cut, which he dodged.

"Zephyr! Could you really betray us like this? If Rainbow knew..." his sentence was interrupted by another swing by me. I continued to cut at him and we continued on like this for several minutes. Eventually, we were locked in a battle of strength. My speared place against his sword.

"Zephyr! Please! Listen to me!" he pleaded as I threw the sword out of his hooves. I towered over him.

"Flash Sentry... forgive me..." I whispered as I stuck my spear into his heart. I watched the life escape his eyes. I was a monster... how could I have done this?

"Excellent work Lord Zephyr!" cried out a soldier.

"Silence you insolent scum! We now march to Guardeye!" I commanded. However, we didn't need to go far...

"Zephyr? You killed Flash Sentry? Is that true?!" he questioned.

"Words are not needed on the field of battle. Raise your blade and fight me!" I exclaimed as the twirled the spear in my hooves.

"Could you really do this? Dash will hate you!" he countered.

"She already does..." I told him solemnly. I sliced down, causing him to jump back.

"Isn't there another way?!" he asked. I stopped my attacking and began to think. If I were to betray Xaipher and prepare an attack to destroy the main camp, surely he'll flee like the coward he is. But how? I thought to myself as Guardeye stood, fighting off my unit. I came to the decision and swung back with my spear, slicing open the stomachs of my own unit.

"Guardeye! Get a fire attack unit ready! Set ablaze to the wooden barricade protecting the castle as they approach. I will be by the gates awaiting another fire attack unit to lead to the main camp. We will burn down Xaipher's ambition here!" I ordered. He nodded and sprinted back to the castle. This had to work. If it didn't... I'll never see her again. I would've failed once again...

Betrayal in all Forms

Rainbow Dash

"We are approaching Nova Castle, My Lady!" reported one of the soldiers.

"Good! We must find Zephyr and end the Rebellion!" I shouted with enthusiasm. The road was lonely and all that could be heard was the bustling of ponies and their hooves colliding with the ground. If Zephyr was here, where would he be? I had to find him, no matter what. He was the one who protected me, the one would give his life for me. He was still out there, just hidden.

As we continued down the passage, Twilight began to look worried.

"What is it Twilight?" I asked.

"My husband, Flash Sentry, is in the battle. I just hope he's alright..." she trailed off. Right when I went to comfort her, a wounded pony staggered up the hill in front of us.

"Reinforcements... thank Celestia! The enemy... too strong... Flash Sentry... gone..." The pony collapsed on the ground, dead.

"Flash Sentry..." Twilight began but stopped. I saw the fire in her eyes.

"Twilight..." I tried to say something.

"FORWARD! SLAY THE ENEMY AND BRING ME THE HEAD OF THE PONY WHO KILLED MY HUSBAND!" she shouted as she charged forth with her unit.

"Rainbow, Ah think we should let you rest up in the castle. Don't need ya gettin' into heated combat," Applejack suggested.

"Nonsense! I'll end these foes myself!" I shouted as I charged after Twilight. Applejack was right behind me. Fire boiled in my heart as I came to a realization. Flash Sentry was one of the strongest stallions out there. There were only two who could kill him and that was Shining Armor and... Zephyr.

"Reinforcements! My Lady, please head to the castle! Fluttershy needs you!" the soldier pleaded as we arrived at the castle. Worried, I flew into the throne room and found Fluttershy with her head down.

"Fluttershy! Are you alright?" I asked.

"Rainbow... he's here... he's outside. Please leave me to rest, if that's OK with you..." she trailed off as always. I headed towards the gate and found it closed.

"Open this gate now!" I commanded.

"Not until the enemy officer leavAGH!" An arrow penetrated his neck and he fell lifeless onto the lever. The gate opened, revealing the one I was so desperate to see again... Zephyr.

"Zephyr!"I shouted. He didn't react, but simply stood there. "Zephyr! Did you shoot that arrow? Why are you here? How did you..."

"Silence! Move... I have a debt to repay..." he trailed off.

"Debt? C'mon Zephyr! We need to push back the enemy!" I exclaimed. He looked up, and I saw a sickening scar etched across his face. Something else was noticeable, the blood that coated his armor. How had he gotten that much on him?

"Rainbow Dash... move out of the way... forgive me... but I must repay the debt I owe," he spoke with resentment in his voice.

"Zephyr? Did you... kill him? Did you kill Flash Sentry?" I asked. I began to grow worried and angry.

"In order to preserve this land from the never-ending chaos, I had to exterminate the one who got in that path. I... I... I'm nothing more than a monster..." he trailed off again.

"Just finish your debt already! You've done more than I could ask for Zephyr. You brought Rainbow Dash right to me!" a voice exclaimed. A stallion stepped out from behind Zephyr. It was Xaipher!

"Xaipher?! I'll have your head!" I charged but Zephyr swung the butt-end of his spear and hit me back. FAR back.

"If there is one thing that would make me happy after what I've done, is allowing me to kill the man that made me do these horrible things!" he shouted. He turned and hit the blade out of Xaipher's hoof.

"You haven't completed your debt yet! You are nothing more than a traitor!" exclaimed Xaipher.

"I would rather die a traitor to you than to My Lady. I stand here to protect her! As I always have!" Zephyr shouted as he charged for Xaipher. He began to run. Just as they approached the exit to the wooden barricade, something horrible happened.

"This is for Flash Sentry!" shouted a voice from the castle walls. It was Guardeye. Fires blazed across the barricade, engulfing Zephyr in a bubble of flame.

"Guardeye! You traitor!" Zephyr exclaimed. Zephyr jumped out of the flames.  His coat and armor were ablaze, but a stronger fire resided in his eyes.

"Don't blame me Zephyr, it was Rainbow Dash, the one that you protected, who ordered me to do this!" shouted back Guardeye.

"No I..." I tried to speak but was interrupted. Zephyr's entire face was contorted in pain and misery.

"You?! I killed my own friends to be back at your side and you order this against me?! I killed my own friends! I was used! I fought to keep you protected! I nearly died on multiple occasions to keep you alive! This is how I'm repaid?! You are no better than Xaipher! I always thought that I was to stand alone in this war! I thought it would at least be as the last pony in the Equestrian Army to stand against these forces with you by my side. But no! You betrayed me! I brought myself to killing my own friends to get back to you! I killed Twilight's husband! The pain in my heart is not from the flames, but from the betrayal that you've done! From what I've done for nothing! Fuck you Rainbow Dash, scum on the name of Benevolence! I'll fight on my own side if I must!" he shouted with rage and pain. The blazed on his fur and armor. His faced hardened in pain and despair. I couldn't believe he had said those things...

"FIRE!" shouted Guardeye. A hail of arrows appeared from behind the castle walls. They struck Zephyr.

"Agh!" he was in horrible pain, I could tell, but he got right back up.

"He's... immortal!" screamed Guardeye.

"I don't care how much pain is brought my way! It will never match the pain that you've caused me Dash! I'll have all your heads mounted on pikes! I hope you're happy Rainbow Dash. You failed me and all of Equestria. Trust means nothing to you. You are no true leader..." he spat. He turned and galloped off, not without grabbing the pendant from his neck with his hoof and throwing it down on the ground.

"Execute Guardeye! His lies have brought despair to this land!" I shouted. Guardeye stood wide-eyed as a blade went through his chest. It was because of him that Zephyr truly hated me... he hated everyone... I was no true leader... merely scum on the name of Benevolence...

I cried for hours. Twilight was reluctant to speak about Zephyr and Applejack and Fluttershy tried to comfort me, but I wasn't talking. Before Applejack left, she placed the pendant that Zephyr had threw on the ground. It was in the shape of a heart, and inside... was a picture of me...

More tears flowed forth. I was hoping I would die from the excessive amount of water flowing out, but after another few hours of crying, I found myself still alive. I cried myself to sleep... I had betrayed him, even if I haven't. I could do nothing but just stand there and let that piece of shit Guardeye lie. I was nothing... but I had to fight for my people... to keep their spirits up high. I had to redeem myself, but I knew I would have to face him again.... just a matter of when.

Another Battle to Fight

Zephyr

How could she do that?! She ordered my death! After all I've done for her! I loved her!  I killed my own friends to get back to her and she throws my life away. She didn't even say anything... she just watched me. Did I mean nothing to her?! Did my pledge mean anything to her?! I'm alone again... as I was before I joined her. My life is on constant repeat... full of pain and betrayal... my family... dead... my friends... gone and those who were alive hated me. Pain and hatred control my life... I'll do all I can, just to stop it. I'd have never loved a mare before... not as much as I did for Rainbow Dash... but she hated me. Ordered my death, I stand alone once again against my bestest of friends...

I have traveled so many miles after leaving that battlefield. The flames had burned out, leaving me scarred and wounded, but who cares about me anymore? Just another renegade pony trying to get away from it all... once again.

"This is useless," I whispered to myself. "She hates me, enough to have my death. I'll show them all... that even alone... I'll still be able to fight, even through the seemingly endless pain." I was talking to myself, but I guess I've really been there my entire life. I took out my spear and looked it over. The blood was permanently stained from all the blood. I noticed something odd. Flash Sentry's Emblem was stuck to the wooden shaft bound by dried blood. I took it in my hoof and stuck it on my armor.

"From this day forth, I, Zephyr, shall fight for true benevolence and for the better land! No matter what the cost, I will stand here, with my head held high, to strike down anypony who dares oppose true benevolence! There is no escape, only death awaits those who oppose the strength of the Mighty Lord Zephyr!" I shouted into the sky with such volume, the birds flew out of the trees. I took my spear in my hooves and pointed it toward the sky.

"Hear me cry! I fight for new truth! A new land! Ruled by a true leader! Lord Zephyr will show you justice!" I charged back to where I came, to claim the heads of those who oppose true benevolence!

I arrived at Nova Castle at midnight.

"Good... Dash and her troops are still here. I'll make quick work of them," I whispered to myself. I already knew what to do. Go forth and set ablaze to the supplies and then sneak over to where Twilight was staying. Ending her will bring true despair to Rainbow and the others. Morale will plummet with the defeat of the Sparkle family! I moved to the gates, spotting two soldiers standing guard.

"I wonder if Zephyr will return..." a guard asked.

"I'm right here!" I shouted. I jumped out from the bushes and with one clean swipe, both of them fell to the ground with cut-open stomachs. Pathetic. I unlocked the gate and headed inside. The supply caches were at the east gate, so I would have to head left. I sneaked around the guards and proceeded toward the supply caches. My thoughts were set merely on destroying their supplies. Without them, Nova Castle would fall and he would claim the largest defense bastion in Equestria! As I approached, I saw Applejack, she was looking around for something, probably me.

"You shouldn't be out this late at night, should you old friend?" I asked as I stepped from the shadows.

"Yer alive!" she exclaimed. She stepped forward, but stopped when I took out my spear.

"Well of course, but I'm not here on friendly terms. I'm here to take this castle for myself!" I shouted.

"What do ya mean?" she asked frightened.

"I've made a new vow, to bring this land to justice and let this land know true benevolence! Come forth! Face the Mighty Lord Zephyr!" I exclaimed, thunder echoing behind my voice. She began to run and I let her go.

"Run all you want Minion of Chaos! This place will be up in the flames of virtue in no time!" I called after her. I stepped towards the supplies and lit a match on my tarnished hoof. "Let the fire rise!" I exclaimed as I lit the place ablaze. I ran out and up the stairs to the throne room. From there, onto the upper balcony over-looking it. A soldier came running and bowed down before Rainbow.

"My Lady! There is a traitor among our ranks! The supplies have been burned!" he reported. Dash sat up.

"What?!" she exclaimed.

"It's true..."  panted a voice. Applejack came into view.

"Who did it?!" exclaimed Rainbow.

"A new stallion from what he once was. A warlord, named the Mighty... Lord Zephyr..." she told her as she collapsed exhausted.

"Secret's out isn't it?" I yelled from the balcony.

"Zephyr?" Rainbow called.

"You have no right to call me by that name! Nor any name Leader of Chaos! I made a new vow, to bring this land to justice and slay the ponies who brought its destruction!" I explained. I jumped from the balcony, landing on the soldier, piercing his neck with my spear.

"Why?" Dash asked.

"For a new land... a new land of peace, virtue, and benevolence. I told you benevolence over vengeance. You failed to accomplish that, and now I stand before you... to bring you to justice!" I started twirling the spear around my hoof. "Come and face the Mighty Lord Zephyr! I will teach you true pain!"

"FIRE!" a voice shouted from the balcony. Arrows stuck into my back and legs. I collapsed to the ground, but got right back up.

"Fight a true warrior... who will not die until his dream is realized!" I shouted as I swiped the arrows from my body. I charged towards Rainbow, but was stopped by Applejack and Fluttershy's swords. Dash charged with her sword pointed at my chest.

"Pathetic!" I shouted as I threw of Applejack and Fluttershy and blocked her attack.

"You're insolence amuses me! I give you a chance to leave and let me have this castle. Any of your forces will to fight for true benevolence may stay behind and serve me. This is my final act of mercy to the traitors that this land is plagued with," I offered. Dash nodded her head and trotted past me.

"Remember this Rainbow Dash. You led this land deeper into chaos. Luckily, I am the last one you fight," I told her as I took my seat upon the throne. Step 1 complete. Now, to continue the advance after I recovered from my injuries. True benevolence would be realized! In the name of justice!

The Final Battle

Rainbow Dash

He truly did hate me. I couldn't even tell him that I didn't order his death. Then to make matters worse, I charged at him! Am I truly fit to rule when I can't even stand up for myself, let alone fight a one-pony army? Applejack, Fluttershy, Twilight, and I led our troops out of the castle, but something was wrong. Our numbers seem to have dropped... significantly.

"Where is everypony?" I asked.

"They joined Lord Zephyr. They fear him to death," Applejack explained. I wasn't fit to be a ruler, let alone the one to face him. He was too powerful, driven by true anger and hatred. Why couldn't I just get it together and tell him I hadn't ordered the attack? He was right... I am the Leader of Chaos and the one who brought it upon this land.

"Zephyr is just a stain on this land. I'm pretty sure our best friend Rainbow Dash can defeat him!" encouraged Twilight. She was still upset at the death of Flash Sentry, but was recovering.

"I can't even tell him that I hadn't ordered the attack, let alone face him in combat. He's just way too strong, even for me!" I exclaimed.

"He can't defeat us when we are together. As long as we think and fight as one, we can overcome any foe!" Twilight countered.

"Even if he has a lot of strength, we still got each other, and that is all we need for an army!" Applejack added.

"You guys still stand by me even though I've failed on multiple occasions, dooming this world to more chaos?" I asked.

"Of course!" exclaimed Fluttershy. My friends still had my back! They weren't leaving me in the dust, but I can't say the same for Zephyr.

"OK, Zephyr has strength, will, determination, and spirit. But we have one of the brightest minds in all of Equestria! Twilight Sparkle!" I exclaimed.

"Surely Twi could come up with a plan to defeat 'em," suggested Applejack.

"Strategy is a very important part of battle. We've estimated Zephyr's army to be extremely out-numbered to ours, but his training techniques have probably adapted them to become immune to pain, as he is. We'll have to destroy their morale, rather than them. We must stay out of reach of Zephyr, for surely all to fight him means death. You saw how many arrows were stuck in him right? He still kept going. As they approach the bridge to Canterlot, we blow it to shreds when the enemy has filled the bridge. As they construct a new bridge to get across, we set up ballistas, catapults, and arbalests to hold off their advance.  Arbalests are to be positioned at the castle gates, ballistas and catapults to delay the construction of a new bridge. Zephyr's strength and determination will get him past our defenses and I'm afraid the final battle will be between us and him. Shining Armor, our best warrior will have to try and defeat Zephyr before he reaches the throne room. Everypony stay inside alright? Troops and officers shall be placed along the roads to hold the enemy's invasion. Everypony got it?" asked Twilight. We all nodded our heads and went to work.

"I'll prepare a speech for the ponies awaiting orders. The rest of you get moving on the defenses and explosives," I ordered. I walked out of the room and looked over at the balcony where I was to give out the orders. I hesitated. Twilight had said that the final battle would be between us and Zephyr. Could we really beat him as one? Or will he simply overpower us as he had done before? Never mind these thoughts, I had to give my people the orders. I stepped up to the balcony and called out.

"My fellow ponies! As we speak, Lord Zephyr's forces march through our villages, destroying them, and heading here. We've tried to stop his advance many times, only to come up empty. We must pull together here and end this! Lord Zephyr must be stopped at all costs! Prepare the defenses! Arbalests at the castle gates, catapults and ballistas positioned on the castle walls and over-looking the bridge! Set explosives along the bridge to halt their advance! Crowd the roads with soldiers! We stand here for the Equestrian Empire! For Equestria!" I shouted. Cheers of enthusiasm erupted in the castle. Everypony got to moving and the battle was soon to be had. It was time to face the one she loved... Lord Zephyr of the Rebellion Forces.

"My Lady! The enemy has arrived at the bridge and is setting up camp!" reported a soldier. Zephyr stood beyond that bridge, she could feel him staring at her, with hatred and contempt. If only he knew...

"Get the forces ready! We must prepare to blow the bridge when they advance!" I ordered.

"Yes My Lady!" he responded as he took off. Everything was in place. She could only hope that she wouldn't have to face him and that her friends would survive the battle.

"Rainbow Dash..." a voice spoke from behind. It was Shining Armor.

"Yes Shining?" I asked.

"Zephyr is standing at the other end of the bridge. His troops began to advance but he halted them. He lit a match and threw it onto the bridge. It exploded... our strategy has failed..." My hopes dropped.

"Not necessarily. He is still unable to advance. Get to the front lines, you'll need to face Zephyr considering you are the strongest pony in our forces. We'll need you," I told him.

"I'm honored. Good-bye My Lady, for this may be last time we see each other," he whispered as he sprinted down the hall. It was time to begin...

Their forces began to build a bridge, but were slowed by the catapults and ballistas. Twilight truly was amazing at strategy. Without her, we would be in the dirt right now. She watched from the balcony as a strange fire appeared from Zephyr's forces. A voice thundered throughout the sky.

"God in Heaven, give me strength! For we must crush the ones who oppose benevolence and virtue! For justice we must march!" Zephyr's voice echoed throughout the battlefield as a bridge formed from clouds appeared at the huge gap. I was shocked that some pony could do such a thing! He truly was amazing! But it was not the time to think that. Now was the time to fight.

Shining Armor

As the cloud bridge appeared in front of me, my forces took a step back. Zephyr stood at the other end, with a spear blazing with fire and a lightning aura surrounding it. He slammed it to the ground, causing the ballistas to shatter.

"Pathetic defenses! Come and face me like a real stallion, Shining!" he called me out. He walked to the center of the bridge and I followed suit.

"I stand here for my people. For My Lady," I spoke with confidence.

"Ha! I used to do the same until they betrayed me. Now fight the Mighty Lord Zephyr! Words are not needed on the field of battle!" He exclaimed as he twirled his spear around his hoof. He drew my sword and pointed it at him. We locked in combat. Swing after swing, block after block, we were locked in equal combat. Eventually, he threw me off guard as sliced at me. It cut open my foreleg, causing me to shout in pain. He then used the butt-end of his spear to hit me back and off my feet.

"Get up! I'm not through with you yet!" he shouted. I began to slowly get up, but then picked up my sword and lashed out at him. I hit him in the chest, and he began to bleed. He didn't even looked frayed! He just kept fighting. Every time I blocked his attack, I felt my bones rattle. He was way too strong. After endless fighting, we locked in sword to spear strength battle. I pushed with all my might and he did the same.

"You are... not without some skill," he whispered. "However, I am the mightiest warrior in this land. I hope you said your final good-byes," he added. At that, he threw me back, making the sword to fall from my hoof.  As I laid on my back, Zephyr towered over me.

"Do it... I am ready to die," I told him.

"Good!" he shouted. Then, everything went black.

Rainbow Dash

Shining Armor was dead, slain at the hoof of Lord Zephyr. The forces charged forth and it was a battle of strength and will. They were making progress as soldier after soldier was cut down by Zephyr. He swung his spear so fluently into every attack that it was mesmerizing. His soldiers were also killing more of us than we could. It seemed hopeless, until they reached the gates. The arbalests let forth a fury of arrows, killing many enemy soldiers, but Zephyr avoided them. He rolled and dodged the arrows, eventually reaching them. With one swift blow, he destroyed one of the arbalests and repeated so with every other one. Eventually, he broke down the castle gates and charged forth, only to find no soldiers. We had confused him! But, he continued forward, leaving his troops behind. I raced down to the throne room, ready to take my stand.

"Zephyr!" I shouted as he approached.

"Rainbow Dash. It is time to face the one to bring your death!" he called out as he began to charge. I stood there waiting for my friends.  Where were they? Had they abandoned her? He drew closer. What were they doing?! He was going to kill me! I shut my eyes as he approached with great speed. I braced myself for death, but death didn't come. I opened my eyes, to see a spear pierced right through him. His face looked shocked as another one flew into his body, and another, and another! Twilight, Applejack, and Fluttershy dropped down from behind the columns and walked over to me.

"I think it is time to tell him..." Fluttershy whispered.

"Zephyr... I never ordered that attack against you. That was Guardeye lying to get you to fight us. I wanted to tell you, but I couldn't because you were always swinging at me. I want you to know something Zephyr... ever since I met you, I had a liking for you. I loved you for all the things you've done for me. I'm just so sorry," I said with sorrow. I looked up and thought I saw his heart melting.

"Rainbow Dash, I've always loved you. But the thought of you hating me enough to have me killed destroyed who I was... I'm so sorry that I harmed you and your friends. Take my spear, use the incantation I taught you without knowing. It is my favorite phrase.  It will destroy my forces. I'm the one to apologize... forgive me... for all the horrible things I've done..." he dropped to his knees. I ran to him and held him up. I took the spears out of him and carried him to the hospital. He was near death, but I couldn't let him die... I forgave him... I loved him. Applejack, Twilight, and Fluttershy helped me get him to the doctor and he was taken into surgery. I could only hope that he would survive... we all did...

A Life Restored

Rainbow Dash

He came out of surgery alive. Everyone had forgiven him, seeing as his love for me was what caused his insanity. As he was in his wheelchair, he looked happy to be alive.

"Why are you so happy?" I asked.

"Because the people have forgiven my horrible actions... and I am by your side," he whispered as he smiled more.

"I love you Zephyr..." I whispered back.

"I love you too Rainbow Dash, but I have one question for you," he told me.

"What is it?" I asked. I got up from his wheelchair, pain exploding from his face, but he got down and took out a black box.

"My life is ending soon. I know it, but I want to spread those final years with you. Will you have my hoof in marriage?" he asked. Everything seemed brighter at that moment.

"YES!" I screamed. I got down and hugged him. He winced in pain and I drew back. "Sorry," I apologized.

"No need to say sorry," he responded.

"Zephyr, I love you so much," I whispered.

"You don't love me more than I love you..." he whispered back. We watched the sunset on that perfect day. I had achieved the goal he had set before me.... Benevolence over vengeance. Now, I have him forever. I will always love him, even after death, our love will be the strongest thing to ever exist...