Shadows of Drakmord

Back in the crystal tower, the door was being slowly but surely smashed to pieces by the Shadows outside. High up as they were, the windows had also come under attack and had been re-blocked over and over as the Shadows had kept trying to scratch their way inside any way they could. One by one, as the thresholds broke beyond repair; Shining and Cadance threw up more and more barriers to seal them up again. Each new patch added a new level of strain to them, and it took all of their concentration to maintain them as the Shadows intently begin to claw at any that appeared.

Twilight entwined her own magic into the shields, unleashing a burning sensation onto whatever touched them. She just barely succeeded in casting her spell before her magic reserves were depleted once again. The Shadows currently feeding on the shields’ energy flailed in the air and shrieked in protest. After a few seconds, more had taken their place and began to blast at the tower with spells of their own, sending shockwaves running through the large room.

“What do we do now?” Spike asked as he held on to Twilight.

“I don’t know!” Twilight responded, searching through her massive bank of knowledge for any kind of solution “Nothing seems to keep these bucking things off of us!”

For a few short moments all was quiet. Ponies looked up and listened. Then the main doors and a large segment of surrounding wall were blown apart entirely, sending chunks of crystal brick and a half a sofa flying every which way.

Time seemed to slow to a crawl, the next several seconds playing out as though the world were covered in molasses.

Everypony was knocked over or sent flying back by the force of the explosion. The remaining shields imploded and dissolved as Shining and Cadance were sent tumbling into the receptionists desk.

Pieces of wall clattered against the floor like stones skipped across a lake. Larger chunks came crashing down as ponies were crushed and trapped beneath them. Shadows swooped in by the dozen, each diving strait for the prey of their choice, and there were plenty to choose from.

One lunged at a stallion who had his back legs pinned underneath an overturned bench. Three others pursued a group of crystal ponies as they turned to run; one of them already in a Shadows claws, screaming for help as they dug into her flesh.

These scenes, and many more like them were at the forefront of Twilights’ attention as she saw it all play out in perfect focus, but none were quite so clear as the ones involving herself and her friends.

To her left, Applejack was poised like a spring, tensed to the limit and ready to hit the Shadow rushing towards her with a buck that could level mountains.

Rarity was beside her levitating shards of crystal and glass honed to knifepoints, ready the slice apart the next threat they were aimed at. And to Twilights’ right, Rainbow and Gilda leapt forth to tackle their assailants head on while Fluttershy stood guard over a pair of children that were trapped underneath a magazine rack, literally staring down the Shadow that sought to make them a meal.

Out of the corner of her vision she saw Pinkie, who appeared to be wearing a helmet and a jersey, wielding… a chainsaw strapped to a baseball bat? The question as to where she got those things in a place like this escaped Twilight as her attention was brought to focus solely on the Shadow diving through the air towards her as she lay collapsed on the floor; its’ claws and tendrils outstretched, and mouth open wide.

However, what she didn’t notice as her life flashed before her eyes was the bursts of light outside. Nor did she notice the lone figure in black and red step into the room, and draw back its’ bowstring.

Before another second could pass, several flaming red bolts hit the Shadows claiming victims.

Twilight watched as the Shadow before her was turned to hot, glowing dust as the attacks from her friends connected, wounding and knocking their targets back.

More of the ponies in black and red moved in, their bows drawn as well.

Bolts were released again, this time tethering themselves to the Shadows they hit with barbed tips and steel cables.

As the Shadows struggled against their bonds, a black blur tore through the room.  With a flurry of sword strikes and movement almost too quick to see, each remaining Shadow was cut down, falling in dismembered piles that oozed black slime across the floor.

As the dust and ash cleared, seven figures in black and red stood before them. The ponies -and griffon- looked to their supposed saviors with confusion, fear, and general unease as they gazed back with menacing red eyes. One of them, slightly taller than the others, sheathed her swords and stepped forward.

“Don’t worry; we’re here to rescue you.”

The ponies cheered and let out sighs of relief at this. “Thank you!” one yelled.

“You’re welcome!” one of the soldiers responded.

She quickly walked over to where Cadance and Shining were while the others lowered their weapons as well, and moved to aid those hurt before they arrived.

“Ah don’t mean to sound ungrateful,” Applejack started as she and the others joined their new ally, save for Twilight, who was already helping her brother and former foal-sitter. “but who in tarnation are all of you?”

“In a second” She dismissed. "I need to make sure they're alright."

Shortly after, when they neared their destination, Cadances’ eyes opened wider as she watched them approach.

“Galendra, is that you under that mask?” Cadance asked.

“Cadenza, I’m glad you’re oka-“

Before she could say another word, Cadance met her halfway and threw a hug around her; much to the surprise of their audience, and even the other participant.

“It-It’s good to see you too.” said Galendra as she carefully returned the hug.

“You two know each other?” asked Shining and Twilight simultaneously.

“It’s a really long story.” Cadance replied, finally breaking away.

“My name is Galendra; I’m in command of the Crimson special operations units.” she explained “We came as soon as we realized Wither and his Dominion came through to your world. I’m sorry we didn't get here sooner.”

“It’s alright, you’re here now.”

“And just in time too.” Shining added.

“Right, I see the element bearers are all here, which is good.” Galendra noted “But what of your immortal rulers, where are they right now?”

Everypony around Galendra turned solemn when she mentioned Celestia and Luna.

“They confronted Wither when he first showed up.” Twilight explained “It… it didn’t go well for them.” she choked slightly on the words as they came out “Th- they’re... they’re both…”

Galendra didn't need Twilight to finish in order to know what happened. She turned away and was silent for a few moments. “Where is he now?” she asked calmly “I’ll have his head on a plate for this!”

“He left,” Pinkie informed her “after he let his evil minions loose on us he shot off above the clouds. He’s probably still there, evilly watching us while evilly eating evil popcorn of evil!”

“Oh no.” Galendra whispered as she realized Withers’ intentions.

“"Oh no" is right! I want some popcorn too; he needs to learn how to share!”

“No not that!” Galendra shoved Pinkies popcorn craving out of the way “He’s probably up there charging a doomsday spell, just like he did on Drakmord. If he took the princesses energy, it won’t take him long to finish; you need to evacuate the city!”

“That’s what we’ve been trying to do!” Rainbow dash chimed in “There’s no way out with all these Shadow jerks around!”

“My spec ops have been clearing the city since we arrived; we’ll make a way out.” Galendra told them before motioning to her guards

“Crick, Zie-eel! I’ll send a squad to secure the train station. Make sure these ponies get there.”

“Consider it done commander.” Zie-eel saluted.

“Wait, where are you going?” Cadance asked as Galendra turned to leave.

“To try and interrupt Withers’ spell, or slow him down at the very least. If he fires that thing off the whole city and everyone in it will be dust. The rest of my forces will protect your people while they make a run for it.”

Galendra kicked off from the ground and took flight, ascending the tower.

She magically projected her voice so it would reach throughout the city, and began her warning.

“Attention citizens of Equestria, the Crimson alliance is here to help you! Go with our soldiers, they’ll escort you to the train station. You will not be safe if you stay here. Do NOT wait, and do NOT hide. Time is of the essence, as are your lives!”

“Crimson,” she addressed her soldiers “find and save as many as you can; fly them out yourselves if you have to. No one gets left behind.”

With one last order given, Galendra flew to the top of the spire confront Wither.