The enemy Archangel wasted no time firing at Remiel and Michael, who were forced to split up to avoid fire. Remiel flew around the field while Michael stayed behind a corner to hide. Michael charged up its horn and dashed over to the golden Archangel, who seemed to know that it was about to attack and actually kicked it back.

Remiel took that as its chance to fire its Ether lightning attack at the golden Archangel, but the enemy was too fast and flew back to dodge.

While flying back, it charged up its own horn and fired a beam at the ceiling. The beam then broke into a rain of smaller beams that actually did massive damage to both Archangels. The golden Archangel then turned to Remiel and fired a golden beam out of its horn at it. Remiel flew to the side to dodge, but its wing took a bit of damage.

"Damn it! Not cool! Not cool at all!" Rainbow Dash cried as Remiel fell to the ground.

"Miss Rainbow Dash!" Diamond Tiara cried out. Applejack wasn't sure if she was more shocked that Diamond was worried about her, or the fact that she said "Miss". Either way, Applejack pushed forward, making Michael charge at the enemy Archangel.

The golden Archangel turned to Michael and met its horn with its own. Michael and the golden Archangel clashed horns for a few seconds, meeting in a weapon clash. Applejack took that as her chance to try and hail the pilot.

"Who are you?!" Applejack asked, "Ah've never seen a model Archangel like yers!" The monitor showed a mare wearing all white robes that completely covered her face like the kind mares in Saddle Arabia wore.

"Those who oppose God's will must be punished!" the pony said, her voice being modified so Applejack couldn't tell who it was, but something told her that she had seen that pony before.

"Opposin God's will? What in tarnation are ya talkin about?!" Applejack asked, making Michael push the golden Archangel away, "We're jus' here ta rescue a mare y'all kidnapped fer some reason!"

"You and Rainbow Dash stand in the way of salvation," the robed mare continued, "Those who worship false gods in any form must be punished!"

The golden Archangel charged at Michael so fast that Applejack didn't know how to react, thus Michael took the attack head on, unable to dodge.

Remiel stood up and charged at the golden Archangel, firing at it with its lasers. It looked like the enemy took a bit of damage because it flew away a bit.

"So was this about luring AJ and I here so you could take us out?!" Rainbow Dash asked, "Seeing how you already know our names!"

"My goal isn't to kill you," the robed mare said, "I'm only doing God's will. God has opted to test the two of you, and I have been chosen to be the one to give the test."

The golden Archangel charged up another another large attack with its horn, and fired point blank at Remiel, who just barely dodged it. The golden Archangel charged over to Remiel and clashed horns with it. It looked like this Archangel wasn't especially good at close quarter combat either, as Remiel was able to hold its own for a bit.

Michael hunched forward and charged up energy into its horn, and then turned to the golden Archangel. Michael then launched a large spear shaped blast from its horn, doing massive damage to the enemy Archangel.

"Very well," the robed mare said, "Behold the true power of Raphael!"

The Archangel, finally identified as Raphael, opened up its chest compartment, revealing what looked like a red mechanical eye of some sort.

"That doesn't look good!" Rainbow Dash stated making Remiel back away. Applejack was extremely tense watching the eye charge up some sort of red energy as Remiel began firing at Raphael with its lasers. This time the attacks hit an energy shield.

Diamond Tiara looked at Raphael's attack intently. She then did something shocking by pushing Applejack aside and briefly taking the wheel.

"What in tarnation-" Applejack started, unable to finish as Raphael let out a large red energy beam that normally would have been unblockable, but Diamond Tiara pulled up Michael's wings to defend it, and was actually pushing it back.

"Whoa!" Rainbow Dash shouted, "AJ, don't you think that's a little crazy?!"

"That's not me right now!" Applejack said, "It's actually-"

"Miss Rainbow Dash, fire now!" Diamond Tiara said suddenly, cutting Applejack off.

"H-hold on?! Is Diamond Tiara-"

"Please fire now!" Diamond Tiara urged, "The enemy is still vulnerable!"

Rainbow Dash shook her head and charged up a quick Ether, firing at the red eye. Raphael took major damage if the scream the pilot gave was any indication.

Diamond Tiara turned to Applejack, "Can I borrow this seat for a bit?" she asked. Applejack was in awe, both of her sudden drive as a pilot and how polite she was being. Against her better judgment she nodded and stepped aside, letting Diamond Tiara take the helm.

Under its new pilot's guidance, Michael charged at Raphael HARD with its horn, knocking it back. Raphael tried to retaliate another Ether shot, but Michael ducked down out of the way, and then buck kicked Raphael into a wall.

Remiel shot at Raphael a few times with its lasers, but right before it could fall off the wall, Michael charged at it again knocking it further back. Michael continued to do this over and over again, eventually letting Raphael fall down onto the floor, too damaged to stand.

Diamond Tiara fell back into the pilot's seat exhausted, "I... did it," she breathed out.

"Ya... sure did..." Applejack said in awe, "How did ya know how ta do that?"

Diamond Tiara shook her head, "I don't know... I've never seen this cockpit, but somehow, I just..."

Applejack put a hoof on Diamond Tiara's shoulder comforting her, "Let's get ya someplace safe so you can rest, alright sugarcube?"

Diamond Tiara nodded and stepped out of the pilot's seat, giving Applejack the controls again. The hanger doors opened up, and Remiel and Michael ran out. Raphael stood up and the robed mare inside pulled out her radio.

"We're not done testing them yet," she said, "Send the Judex after their ship to cut them off over Serpenterra," she opened Raphael's hatch and looked out at the direction her foes ran, "During the end, Unit 02 activated. I wonder..."

"Wait, so that was her?!" Rainbow Dash asked Applejack as they stood outside the room Diamond Tiara was resting in.

"Ah don't get it either," Applejack admitted, "But Ah'm tellin ya, she pushed me outta the way, and then started pilotin Michael like a pro. Looked like she had been pilotin her entire life."

Rainbow Dash stood on her hind legs and leaned against the wall folding her forelegs, "So she has total amnesia, yet somehow knows how to pilot an Archangel. Because that makes sense," she said sarcastically.

"Maybe she took classes on Archangel pilotin, an' she somehow recalled it in a time of crises," Applejack stated, "Ah've heard of stuff like that happenin before."

"Yeah, because that spoiled rich girl has enough drive and willpower to drive an Archangel," Rainbow Dash said rolling her eyes. Now that Applejack thought about it, that did seem really far-fetched.

"Well, right now let's jus' get her home ta her father," Applejack said, "Once we're back in Canterlot, we can focus on gettin her checked out."

"You're right," Rainbow Dash said, "Well, I'm going to go take a shower and then get some rest myself," Rainbow Dash said trotting off, "You're more than welcome to join me, you know."

"Ah... think Ah'll pass, Dash. Thanks though..." Applejack said looking away, blushing madly. Rainbow Dash shrugged her shoulders.

"Fine, I'll settle for sleeping in your room tonight then."

"Wait, what?"

Before she could get an answer, Applejack saw Rainbow Dash close the door to her own room thankfully. The question was if she'd stay in her room. Some nights Applejack would in fact wake up the following morning to find a cyan hoof rubbing against her flank. Why was she so forward? And why didn't Applejack put more boundaries on their relationship?

It was nightfall when Spike entered the castle. It was odd for him to be called out here so late, but he didn't mind. Everyone was really tense when news got out that Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were captured, so he was looking for a distraction.

The castle was really silent, giving it a haunting feel. He remembered when he was little, how he and Twilight would explore the castle at night. He always hated those nights, because at night the castle felt like a completely different place.

"Hello?" he called out, his voice echoing in the large hall, "Princess? I'm here. You called for me, right?"

No one answered immediately, yet he couldn't help the feeling that someone was watching him. Slowly he pulled out his sword and continued to explore the castle, ready to strike at anyone who didn't belong here.

"Okay," he said, "You've fought giant monster bugs, so an intruder in the castle should be easy."

He slowly made his way to Luna's study. When he arrived at the door, he waited a few beats, and then opened the door running inside. Nothing. No one was inside.

"Damn it," he said rubbing the back of his head, "Maybe I'm overreacting."

As he relaxed, a shadowy figure loomed over him, white eyes glowing in the darkness. He turned around, but when he saw the figure he fell back screaming. He was then greeted by a deep yet feminine laughter.

"I admire your devotion to our protection," Luna said, "But had I actually been an intruder you'd be dead."

"Princess," Spike said, "S-sorry. I, uh..."

Luna giggled and held out a hoof, helping Spike to his feet.

"I merely asked you to join me here so we could leave together," Luna said, "Come, Spike. There is a carriage in the courtyard waiting for us."

Spike nodded and ran after the Princess of the night as she sauntered off, her head held high and proudly.

"So, were is everyone?" Spike asked.

"All of the regular soldiers are waiting for us," Luna said, "The Nightwatch is here standing guard in the meantime."

The Nightwatch was Princess Luna's own personal guards. They were special ponies that were nocturnal, and devoted their lives to following Princess Luna, and only Princess Luna. Spike hadn't spent a lot of time in their presence, but he did see them a lot and got a strange vibe from them.

"Where are we going?" Spike asked, "It's really late."

"I didn't interrupt you at all, did I?" Luna asked.

"N-no. Not at all. I was just curious, that's all. This is really sudden, and I was wondering what you could possibly need me to do."

"Ahh," Luna nodded, "Tia is testing her new Archangel again tonight, and I figured you would make good company for me."

"Oh," Spike said, still taken aback by how informal Princess Luna was. Though she was much more stoic than her sister, she was oddly more open. She would often call Spike to her side under the guys of "business", when in reality she was just lonely. He didn't mind. She was actually really cool.

When they got to the carriage, Spike of course opened the door for Luna to walk in first. She smiled softly, and then trotted in, more of a stride this time. Spike then walked in letting the guard present close the door, and the carriage flew off out of Canterlot.

"Tia has been having trouble finding a pilot for Lucifer," Luna explained as they made their way.

"Lucifer?" Spike asked.

"It's the code name of the new Archangel," Luna stated, "She's finally outfitted it with it's full weaponry and armor, and she wants to conduct a final test before the new pilot arrives."

"Why has she been having trouble finding a pilot?" Spike asked, "I've taken classes in Archangel control. Personally, even though the controls are sort of complicated, once you learn how to get them to walk, run, fly, you know where the weapons are, and how to move the head and wings, anyone could really pilot them," Luna broke into lofty laughter, "Um, okay, maybe not anyone..."

"But I hear what you're saying, and you're right. Normally there wouldn't be a problem," Luna stated, "But this Archangel isn't a normal mech, which is why she's requested a special pilot."

"Who is it? Anyone I know?" Spike asked. Luna looked to the side slightly.

"Who indeed? Honestly, I can't imagine what Tia is thinking concerning this pony," Luna said, "I don't even know what she's thinking concerning this machine."

"Why? Who is it?" Spike asked.

"Perhaps is you're lucky, you'll see for yourself," Luna said cryptically. Spike wanted her to explain exactly what she meant, but she left it at that. Sometimes he really didn't understand what went on in Luna's head.

They arrived at a military base in the outskirts of Equestria. Spike noticed they were practically in the Griffin kingdom of Talia. Why were they all the way out here?

"Whoa..." Spike said looking around.

"This is a top secret military project," Luna said stepping out of the carriage past Spike, "Everything you see has to remain a secret unless specified otherwise."

"So, I can't tell Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, or Sweetie Belle?" Spike asked running after the Princess of the Night.

"Hmm... well, I don't see why they can't keep a secret," Luna said with a wink. Spike thought Princess Luna was so amazing. How could someone be so stoic, yet so relaxed at the same time?

The inside of the military base was actually quite a sight. It wasn't like the inside of the castle. The walls were made of metal, and there were machines everywhere. Luna lead Spike to the upper room, where Spike saw a large window looking out into a larger room, and what looked like a small control panel. In front of it was Princess Celestia.

"Sister," Luna called out, catching Celestia's attention. Much like her younger sister, Celestia had an almost androgynous nature herself, but she came off much more feminine than her sister, who always seemed both masculine and feminine.

"Luna, I see you brought Spike with you," Celestia said.

"I hope you don't mind sister," Luna said, "I figured that seeing this would be a good experience for him as an upcoming pilot himself."

"Luna, may I?" Celestia said pulling Luna aside, "I thought we agreed that this would be a secret," she whispered harshly.

"A secret from the public," Luna whispered, "Spike is one of us, unless there's a reason why Spike shouldn't see Lucifer," Luna got closer and glared at Celestia, "Well, Tia?"

Celestia closed her eyes and sighed, "I don't see a reason why not," she then turned to Spike, "Come Spike, the test is about to begin."

"O-okay," Spike said nervously. One would think that Celestia would be the warmer of the two sisters, yet there was something about Celestia that was really intimidating. Maybe she was just like this now that Twilight was gone.

Twilight...

Spike walked over to the large window, where he saw the large black and purple pony shaped mech he assumed was Lucifer. The red eyes mixed with the dark armor and black mane and tail gave it a very sinister look, and at the moment it had two long cannons on its shoulders pointed forward.

"That's Lucifer?" Spike asked, getting a nod from Luna.

"It's Canterlot's newest weapon. Up until now, any pony that tried to pilot it would be driven to madness."

"Madness from controlling an Archangel?" Spike looked up at Celestia, who pushed a button on the control panel. In the testing arena, the Archangel came to life and stood up, "Is the new pilot here now?"

"There's been a delay in their arrival," Celestia said, "I'm controlling Lucifer remotely from here."

Two targets appeared in front of Lucifer, dummy Archangels. Celestia pushed another button, making the two guns on its shoulders charge up. They both fired large white blasts at the targets, decimating them.

"Oh my god," Spike said stepping back, "That's too powerful!"

"Mind you, those were just dummies," Luna said, "Now, against a real Archangel it would have more of a fight, but you'd be hard pressed to find an Archangel that could match up to it."

"AHH!" Celestia screamed. Both Luna and Spike turned around and saw the control panel sparking. At the same time, Lucifer started acting funny, staggering around and sparking as well.

"Princess, watch out!" Spike shouted, running up to Celestia and pushing her away right before the controls exploded. In the testing room, Lucifer started crying out, a mechanical whinny that sounded like a cry of anger.

"Applejack and Rainbow Dash aren't back yet!" Celestia cried, "There's nothing to calm it down!"

Spike looked out at Lucifer gritting his teeth, and then ran out of the testing room.

"Spike!" Luna called out, but he didn't stop. He ran right into the testing room and pulled out his sword, looking at Lucifer intensely.

"I have to do something or this thing could get out and hurt ponies!" Spike reasoned.

"Spike, return immediately!" Luna shouted through the radio, "Only an Archangel can stand up to another Archangel!"

"Then hurry up and find one!" Spike said, "I'll hold it off until then!"

Lucifer looked at Spike briefly and then started firing at him with it's shoulder guns. Spike immediately ran to the side dodging the attacks. Realizing that Spike was too fast, Lucifer gave an angry whinny and charged at Spike.

Spike screamed and rolled away JUST in time, making Lucifer hit the wall. Spike took that as his chance to get a few good slashes on it, but then jumped away right as Lucifer stood up. Lucifer pointed its horn to the ceiling, casting what looked like an Ether. Red lightning bolts came down from runes in the ceiling, but Spike flew around the room dodging all the lightning strikes.

Lucifer's legs opened up, and it fired it's homing missiles at Spike, who was still flying around. Spike slashed at a few of the missiles destroying them, and got a few missiles too hit each other destroying them. He flew toward Lucifer, but flew straight up at the last minute, making the remaining missiles hit Lucifer.

Spike watched as Lucifer fell down, but it then forced itself up and appeared to glare at Spike. At first he was shocked to see an Archangel with sentience like this, but once he looked at it, he stopped seeing it as a machine. In fact, it looked like Lucifer was lashing out at something.

It made pilots go insane...

It apparently destroyed the control panel...

Lucifer didn't want to be controlled!

"I get it," Spike said, "You're angry, aren't you?"

Spike flew down and put his sword on his back. He then began walking toward Lucifer.

"What are you doing?!" Celestia shouted, "Stay away from it until help comes!"

Spike ignored Celestia's pleas and continued to walk over to Lucifer. Lucifer glared at Spike, and charged up its horn, pointing it right at Spike. He stopped and held his arms out.

"Come on! If you want to fire then fire! I can't do anything to stop you! Come on!"

Scanning subject...

Identified...

Disengaging defensive protocols...

Lucifer stopped charging its horn, and its eyes changed from red to purple. Lucifer then stepped back and knelt down, deactivating, but not before doing one thing that neither Spike nor the Princesses had an explanation for.

Lucifer opened its hatch.

Spike felt something odd in his heart. It felt like something was calling out to him, like Lucifer was urging him to enter. If he didn't know better, Lucifer was inviting him to pilot it.

"Are you... asking me to..." Spike asked slowly, suddenly hearing a voice in his head.

Spike...

"Huh?" Spike asked looking around. He couldn't tell who it was, or if he imagined it, but somehow that voice sounded familiar.

Before he could get inside, an explosion was heard, causing the entire structure to shake.

"What's going on?" Celestia asked on the radio.

"Princess, Archangels are marching toward the military base!" another frantic voice was heard, "They look like they're from the griffin kingdom of Talia!"

"Talia?!" Celestia cried out, turning to Luna, who immediately ran out. Spike looked back to Lucifer one last time, but then ran out to follow his Princess.

Outside the base Spike saw a small army of tanned Archangels marching over to the base. These Archangels also had large cannons on their backs. They marched for a bit, but soon started firing at the base.

"Whoa!" Spike shouted falling to one knee from the tremor, "Princess, what are we going to do?!"

"Don't worry," Luna said, "Celestia's already sending Archangels to deal with this."

As if confirming her statement, plain white Archangels that looked like Canterlot soldiers trotted out of the base, and charged over to the army of Archangels from Talia. From Spike's point of view Canterlot's forces were vastly outnumbered.

"How do they have so many?!" Spike asked.

"We were unable to bring as many Archangels here to defend the base," Luna said, "Besides, most of our pilots are out of commission from trying to test Lucifer."

"Damn it!" Spike swore. When he looked up though, he saw a sight that gave him hope. A familiar blue and white Archangel was flying toward the fight as well. When Luna saw this Archangel she raised an eyebrow.

"Hm... Uriel..." she said to herself, oobviously the Archangel's name.

"Rarity!" Spike said happily.

"Rarity?"

"She saved Sweetie Belle and I a few days ago! I know she's the pilot of that Archangel! She saw us being attacked and came to save us!" he was elated. Now he'd be able to tell Rarity how happy he was to see her, and ask her where she and Twilight were.

When the Archangel, Uriel, landed, it stood in front of the tanned Archangels from Talia. It didn't move for the longest few seconds, but when it did, Spike was horrified.

It fired it's horn lasers at a Canterlot soldier!

"R-Rarity...?" Spike asked, falling to his knees. That was Rarity inside that Archangel, right? If so, why was it attacking Canterlot? Spike watched in horror as Uriel began decimating Canterlot soldiers one by one, unable to believe what his eyes were telling him.

Rarity was fighting for the enemy country...

Author's Note

I know the ending of this is iffy, but I didn't know how too end it. I see this almost like an anime, thus the last scene is the white Archangel that Luna identified as Uriel attacking Canterlot. Speaking of which...

Diamond Tiara has total amnesia, yet is able to pilot an Archangel perfectly. Where did those skills come from?

Why did Lucifer stop attacking Spike? And does the Archangel really want Spike to pilot it?

Finally, is Spike right about Rarity piloting the white Archangel, and if so why is she fighting for the Griffins?