“What do you mean she's still in her room?!” Gilda shouted at one of her soldiers.

“S-sorry ma'am!” the soldier stuttered, “But she's been there since docking yesterday! We've been trying to get her out, but-”

“You guys are useless!” Gilda raged, “Fine, I'll talk to her.”

She stormed out of the main hall over to their leader's room. She could understand her wanting to keep her distance from everyone here, since she was the only pony in Talia. Pony culture and griffin culture was very different, as griffins tended to be more combat oriented. Ponies, unicorns in particular, were very emotional, which was something many griffins saw as weakness.

Gilda was different. For years she was friends with a pegasus named Rainbow Dash. They had a falling out in the past, but Gilda secretly still valued her friendship with the rainbow maned pegasus. It wasn't too surprising then that Gilda would look out for one of Rainbow Dash's friends.

“Rares, it's me,” Gilda said, knocking on the large golden door, “The others are getting concerned. Can we talk?”

The golden door was engulfed in an indigo aura for a second. Gilda waited for a second before she opened the door. Immediately she was greeted with the sweetest scent of lavender. Opening the door completely she saw their leader lying in the pool sized bathtub that made up the back section of her large bedroom. Their base once belonged to Talian royalty, and their leader's room belonged to the queen.

Gilda sighed looking at their leader. From here she could tell something was eating her.

“Have you been here all day?” Gilda asked walking over to the bath section, “I thought staying in water for too long was bad for the skin.”

“I charmed the water with a special potion,” their leader said distantly, “It's no longer regular water, so I'll be fine.”

“I'm guessing that's why it smells like lavender in here?” Gilda asked, getting a nod from the unicorn, “Did your friend teach you that? The one who taught you those spells?”

“What did you want?” their leader asked harshly. Now Gilda knew that something was wrong with her. If anyone else spoke to her like that they'd have their head bitten off, but she wasn't a griffin. Also, this pony was their leader, so that right there meant she could talk to her however she pleased.

“Like I said, everyone is concerned,” Gilda said lying down at the side of the pool, “I am too, but for a different reason,” Gilda took a deep breath, swallowing her pride before she spoke again, “Rarity, you've been acting weird since the mission. I trust you, but I need to know, why did you run into the base like that?”

Rarity was silent for a few seconds to a minute, just looking down. Gilda had to give Rarity credit. She really embodied the griffin culture. But she wasn't a griffin. She was a pony, and ponies were social creatures. Clamming up like this wasn't healthy for her.

“Does it have to do with the Morning Star?” Gilda asked, noticing how Rarity tensed up, “I knew it. Something happened in that base. Do you know the pilot?”

“I... do...” Rarity said softly, “He's... special to me...”

“Someone you love, then?” Gilda asked. Rarity didn't say anything to that, but her expression said everything, “Rarity, your friends are Equestrian soldiers, apparently the pilot of Lucifer is someone important to you, and you're the only pony currently allowed to walk in Talia and not get killed on the spot.”

“Your point?” Rarity asked.

“We're don't plan on stopping our assault, but you're betraying the country where you grew up. You're parents, your friends, the guy piloting the black Archangel, you're an enemy to all of them right now. I can't make you-”

“Gilda,” Rarity cut her off, “I've already made my decision.”

“Rares...”

Rarity stood in the tub and walked out, using her magic to wrap a purple towel around her body drying herself off as she walked, “I made a promise to someone, and I intend to keep it no matter what. Like I said, Equestria hasn't been my country for years. If I have to burn it all to the ground, I will.”

Gilda was really torn looking at Rarity. On one hand, her devotion to their cause was inspiring, especially since she was formerly an Equestrian herself. On the other hand though, seeing her betray her country like this wasn't something Gilda was fond off. Griffins valued loyalty above all else, and though Rarity was loyal to them...

“Concerning the Morning Star,” Rarity continued, changing into the blue and white gown she wore around the base, “Do we know what Celestia plans to do with it yet?”

“I'm afraid not,” Gilda said, “Our spies said something about them sending it and a few other Archangels to Serpenterra.”

“Why there?” Rarity asked, “The dragons are neutral in this war. Or does Celestia plan to force them into submission?”

“It is weird,” Gilda said, “Emmanuel can be prepared to launch in a few minutes if you want me to-”

“What about Uriel?” Rarity asked, cutting Gilda off.

“Your Archangel took a bit of damage from the Judex, but it should be operational in half an hour. Rarity, you aren't thinking of-”

“Tell them to get Uriel repaired and charged in twenty,” Rarity commanded, “I'm going after Lucifer.”

“Rarity,” Gilda ran in front of the unicorn and placed a clawed hand on her shoulder, “The other Archangels are customs models too, and they have Lucifer. Going by yourself is suicide. Let me-”

“I need you to watch over Talia in my stead,” Rarity said, “I'll bring a few Virtues with me if it'll make you feel better, but I need to destroy that Archangel myself.”

She wasn't going to budge at this point. Gilda hated it, but she had no choice but to listen. This was her friend, but she was her superior first and foremost. Gilda sighed and saluted Rarity, who sauntered out of the room, probably to get something to eat.

“What makes a person like her hate their country so much?” Gilda asked herself.

This was amazing! Sure, they were going into dangerous territory to find Dash and Applejack, but Scootaloo would have been lying if she wasn't a little excited about visiting dragon country. She had always wanted to go on an official mission, which was why she joined Luna's special guard.

No way Dash would let her be an official soldier. If she were going to fly next to her idol, she'd have to take the scenic route.

After looking out the window seeing the large forest below her, she galloped over to the hanger. The pilot of the ship, former classical musician Octavia Melody, wanted to meet up with them before they landed. In the hanger she saw Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Spike all waiting for them. Apple Bloom had her guns hooked to her front hooves, Sweetie Belle had an odd looking staff at her side, and Spike was swinging his sword.

“Hey guys,” Scootaloo said trotting over to them.

“Heya Scoot,” Apple Bloom said, “Ya excited?”

“Am I?!” Scootaloo asked, “This is our first real mission! I'm stoked!”

“Ah jus' wish our first mission wasn't so...” Apple Bloom said looking away slightly.

“Hey, I'm sure Applejack is fine,” Scootaloo said placing a hoof on Apple Bloom's shoulder, “She had Dash with her.”

“Yeah, true,” Apple Bloom said, feeling a little comforted, “Ah also wish that... well... ya know...”

“I know how you feel,” Scootaloo said, both of them turning to Sweetie Belle and Spike, “We have military training, but Sweetie Belle-”

“I can hear you two, you know,” Sweetie Belle said, finally turning to them, “You don't have to worry about me. I'll stay in the back if we have to leave the Archangels, and I'm staying inside Lucifer with Spike otherwise. I'll be fine.”

Scootaloo really hated having Sweetie Belle here, but if she stayed with Spike it should be fine. Princess Luna had given Sweetie Belle her blessing so it should be fine, right?

“My, this is quite an odd bunch Luna has organized,” a deep and feminine voice said. The four turned to see Octavia walking out to them, wearing a black cocktail dress that hugged her curves and an earpiece.

“Miss Melody, it's good to see you again,” Spike said holding out a claw for her to shake. Octavia looked at it briefly, turned her nose to the air and trotted away.

“I'm not shaking that claw until it's cleaned,” she said. Spike looked at his claw in confusion.

“But I did wash my claws...” he said dejectedly.

“Faust, who's worse,” Scootaloo said to Apple Bloom, “Her, or Diamond Tiara?”

“Shush you,” Apple Bloom scolded, even though she was laughing a bit. Both of them stopped when the older mare shot them a look.

“I hate being drafted into this...” Octavia sighed to herself, answering how she even ended up in the military, “Well, you two were chosen by Luna, right?”

“Y-yeah, that's right,” Scootaloo said, “Why?”

“That's what I want to know,” Octavia said, “Neither of you two seem to have any military background besides being vigilantes.”

This mare wanted to get smacked, is what her problem was. She was lucky Apple Bloom and Spike were right next to her, otherwise this was going to get ugly.

“Luna trusts us,” Scootaloo said, “Shouldn't that be enough?”

“Honestly, no,” Octavia said narrowing her eyes, “But if Her Highness requests it, I suppose I don't have a say in it. My job is to make sure you don't die before you complete your mission. As such, we're giving the two of you our special Archangels.”

“Wait, they get Archangels too?” Spike asked, “I thought the only one they could send was Lucifer.”

“That's what I heard too,” Sweetie Belle said.

“Well, Princess Celestia had these two imported right before the mission,” Octavia said, “Personally, I'd rather you not touch them at all, but once again it's the Princess' orders.”

This bitch was the shadiest mare Scootaloo had seen in a while. Definitely as bad as Diamond Tiara, with a hint of Silver Spoon's prissiness.

Octavia led them to the other side of the hanger, where they saw two new Archangels. One had an orange and black body that was slim like Remiel, but with smaller wings and slightly stronger armor. It had a long purple mane and tail, and it didn't have any visible weapons on it, but its horn looked bladed. The terminal next to it had the name “Gabriel” on it.

The other Archangel was yellow and silver, and had a really full red mane and tail. The silver parts looked like armor similar to Michael, but its horn and wings were both longer. It's terminal had the name “Ariel” on it.

“This Archangel is called Gabriel,” Octavia said, going to the orange one, “It specializes in close quarter and ground combat. Pegasus, this one belongs to you.”

“I have a name, you know,” Scootaloo said walking up to Gabriel, “So, you're my new partner? Nice to meet you, Gabriel.”

“This one here belongs to you,” Octavia said referring to Apple Bloom, “It's name is Ariel. It specializes in long ranged combat and has heavy artillery. All of it's weapons are Ether based.”

“Ariel...” Apple Bloom said looking up at her Archangel with a slightly pained expression.

“We're launching in five,” Octavia said, “Make sure you're ready.”

As she left the hanger, Scootaloo stuck her tongue out at her.

“Bitch. I bet she's a whore too,” Scootaloo said.

“Apple Bloom, what's wrong?” Spike asked, “You look like you're going to be sick.”

“Ah... didn't think Ah'd actually have ta pilot one mahself...” Apple Bloom said sadly.

“Are you nervous?” Sweetie Belle asked, “I mean, these things do look pretty intimidating.”

“Ah hate how ponylike they look,” Apple Bloom said, “Lookin at them is one thing, but ta pilot one, make it move, Ah don't know if...”

“Apple Bloom, you've got this,” Scootaloo said, “Remember, this is why we took the classes. The only way to get past your fears-”

“Is ta face 'em. Ah know...” Apple Bloom said looking down. She was a funny case, as she wasn't completely frozen by her fear. She could handle being in the presence of one, as she had been around Applejack's Archangel many times. The thing that scared her was seeing them move up close, as according to her they moved so much like ponies that it unnerved her.

She was getting better, but still...

Sweetie Belle walked over to Lucifer, looking up at it. Spike walked over to her and nudged her side.

“Feeling left out?” Spike asked playfully.

“Not really,” Sweetie Belle said, “I'll be riding inside Lucifer with you. Actually, I was wondering if we'll run into Rarity's Archangel again.”

“I don't see how,” Scootaloo said walking behind Sweetie Belle and Spike, “Why would she come to Serpenterra? There's nothing here for her or the griffins, unless they decide they want dragons as allies in the war.”

“But there is somethin she wants,” Apple Bloom said catching everyone's attention, “If they really do want Lucifer destroyed, they might send griffins after us. We better be careful.”

Spike nodded, but Sweetie Belle looked down. If Scootaloo didn't know better, her expression seemed a little... darker than usual.

Michael, Remiel, and the Throne had been walking for almost half a day, still no signal being transmitted. This forest was a lot denser than they thought. At one point Rainbow Dash flew Remiel above the trees to search for a clearing, but returned only to tell them that they would be walking for a while.

As of now, the plan was changed to find higher ground as opposed to a clearing. Nearby was a mountain that shot out from the trees, so they might be able to get a signal out from there.

Diamond Tiara was getting worried. Not so much for herself, but for everyone else. Sure, she did want to get out of here, but she didn't have anyone she really missed (or if she did she didn't remember them). Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Vinyl must have had families though. They had to be worried about them.

When they reached the base of the mountain, Michael and Remiel stopped walking and turned to the Throne.

“What's wrong?” Diamond Tiara asked.

“We were thinking you might want a break,” Rainbow Dash said from inside Remiel.

“I'm fine,” Diamond Tiara said, “The sooner we get up the mountain the better.”

“Personally, Ah need a break,” Applejack said as Michael knelt down and deactivated. Remiel followed suit and both pilots exited their mechs.

“We should shut this Archangel down too,” Vinyl said, “We don't want to waste energy standing around.”

“Alright,” Diamond Tiara said, flicking the switches to put the Archangel to sleep. It knelt down and the hatch opened up. Vinyl sat up and made her way to the steps, but turned to Diamond Tiara.

“Ya coming?” Vinyl asked.

“I don't want to be a bother,” Diamond Tiara said looking away, “I'll wait here.”

“You're not a bother, kid,” Vinyl said pulling Diamond Tiara's hoof, “Besides, I bet your hungry. We should have enough rations for you too.”

“T-thanks...” Diamond Tiara said stepping out to join Applejack and Rainbow Dash, the latter of the two apparently saying some real suggestive things to the former, if her blush was any evidence.

“Oh look, Diamond and Vinyl are here!” Applejack said quickly, getting up. Rainbow Dash laughed and walked after her, carrying a bag filled with silver cans.

“Hope you guys don't have a problem with military rations,” Rainbow Dash said.

“I've never had them before,” Diamond Tiara said, “Are they good?”

“Well, nothing a spoiled rich girl would call fancy cuisine, but it does the job,” Rainbow Dash said with a shrug.

She handed a can to everyone, and then walked back over to her seat. Immediately she opened her can and dug in. Applejack sat next to her and did the same, eating much slower than her partner/girlfriend (Diamond Tiara assumed they were dating with how Rainbow Dash kept flirting with Applejack).

Vinyl used her magic to levitate the rations to her mouth piece by piece. Diamond Tiara hesitated for a second, but soon found herself sitting with the three older mares, joining them in their makeshift feast.

A spoiled rich girl would have a problem with these, but seeing how she wasn't one as far as she knew, Diamond Tiara was able to enjoy her small meal. All it needed was a little salt after all.

They didn't eat in silence, as Rainbow Dash soon lit up the feast by telling everyone a funny story. At first everyone was startled when Diamond Tiara started laughing, but soon everyone joined in. That reaction did make Diamond Tiara wonder though.

What was she like? That wasn't the first time anyone reacted like that around her.

“Miss Applejack, can I ask a question?” Diamond Tiara asked.

“Sure Diamond,” Applejack replied, “Shoot.”

“Before I lost my memory, what kind of pony was-”

She was cut off by a strange sound, something like a large metal hoof hitting the floor. Diamond tiara recognized that sound instantly.

An Archangel...

“Y'all hear it too, eh?” Applejack whispered.

“And here I thought the hardest thing we'd have to deal with was a dragon,” Rainbow Dash said getting up, “Let's jam!”

Diamond Tiara, Vinyl, and Applejack nodded and ran to their respective Archangels bringing them to life. The three Archangels ran out from the base of the mountain to meet their stalker.

After a minute, they saw the Archangel. It was a pink and white, and had a really long and full mane and tail. It's wings were large and hung in an arc at its side, and its horn was really long like a javelin. No one could see the Cutie Mark on its flank yet.

“Who are you?” Rainbow Dash asked from inside Remiel.

“You're a hard mare to find, Rainbow Dash...” the pilot of the Archangel said, her voice high pitched yet powerful in its own way, “Thankfully I was able to follow the signal given off by Unit 02, otherwise I wouldn't be able to find you.”

“Yer with Yggdrasil, ain't ya?” Applejack asked from inside Michael, “Who are you?!”

“Applejack?! Is that you?!” the pilot asked, now sounding elated, “I don't believe it! If only Twilight, Rarity, and Fluttershy could join us, then we could have a full reunion party!”

“Reunion party...?” Applejack asked, as if she recognized that somehow.

“Well, I would, if I still did that. I'm here for a different kind of party, I'm afraid,” the Yggdrasil pilot said somewhat somberly, “My name is Messiah, and I'm here for Unit 02.”

“Unit 02? What the hell does that mean?” Rainbow Dash asked. For some reason, something inside Diamond Tiara was telling her that she meant...

“But before I get to that, there's something that I want,” the pilot said charging up her Archangel's horn. She then fired a large round blast right at Remiel, knocking it back.

“AHH!!!” Rainbow Dash screamed.

“Dash!” Both Applejack and Vinyl shouted.

“You're not going to back down from a challenge, are you Dashie?” Messiah asked, her voice now sounding almost manic.

“Dashie...” Rainbow Dash asked as Remiel sat up, “Only one pony calls me that...”

The pink Archangel opened its forelegs, revealing an assortment of missile launchers.

“Scatter!” Applejack commanded. Immediately the pink Archangel fired its missiles, forcing the Throne, Michael, and Remiel to run in separate directions. The pink Archangel charged after Remiel leading with its horn and clashing with Remiel's.

“It isn't you!” Rainbow Dash shouted, “There's no way you're who I think you are!”

Messiah gave a scary laugh, “Dashie! Are you denying me?! I thought we were BEST FRIENDS!!!”

The pink Archangel pushed Remiel back, and fired its pink blast at Remiel again, but this time Remiel took to the skies.

“AJ, I'm going to lead her away!” Rainbow Dash shouted, “Get Diamond to the top of the mountain!”

“Hold on! Ah ain't leavin ya ta fight her on ya own!” Applejack cried, “We're partners, an-”

“Exactly! Which is why I'm trusting you! I'll be fine, just go!”

Remiel flew away, but Messiah laughed watching her leave.

“Running away Dashie! That's not like you at all! But if you want to play tag, I'm game! Jophiel, transform!”

Her Archangel, named Jophiel, knelt down. Out of the sides of its legs came four large all terrain wheels, and the head of the Archangel lowered slightly. Jophiel took off after Remiel at almost the same speed as the flying Archangel.

“We have to help her!” Daimond Tiara shouted, “That pilot will kill her!”

“Um, guys, we have our own problems!” Vinyl said. Michael and the Throne looked up seeing four large beetle Judex hovering over them.

“We don't got enough room ta fight 'em here!” Applejack said, “Diamond, follow me! We need ta get ta a more open area!”

“Right!” Diamond said. Michael and the Throne galloped in the opposite direction as Remiel and Jophiel, all the while Diamond Tiara praying for Rainbow Dash's safety.

Remiel flew around dodging missiles, which Rainbow Dash was starting to wonder if Jophiel had an unlimited amount. One missile hit Remiel, but Rainbow Dash managed to adjust Remiel so the Archangel landed on its feet.

Jophiel rode up to Remiel and transformed back into its upright position. As soon as Remiel turned around, the pink Archangel charged and clashed horns with Remiel again, this time not letting up its endless assault.

“This is bad!” Rainbow Dash said through gritted teeth. Somehow this “Messiah” had already figured out her Archangel's weakness. She tried to pull Remiel back to fire its lasers, but Jophiel closed the distance instantly continuing to clash horns with the jet based Archangel.

“Trying to get away again?!” Messiah shouted, “Dashie, why are you running away from me?! That's not like you at all!”

“Damn it! Ether Drive!” Rainbow Dash shouted. Remiel fired a bolt of electricity out of its horn at Jophiel, knocking it back. Remiel wasted no time opening its forelegs and firing its laser at Jophiel, who used its wings to defend itself from the attack perfectly. It was almost like Remiel's lasers were hitting a barrier.

“You have to do better than that, Dashie!” Messiah shouted, casting her own Ether. The Archangel pointed its horn forward, and fired a pink laser out of its horn at Remiel. Remiel jumped to the side out of the way, but its left wing was hit.

“Argh!” Rainbow Dash screamed. She checked the damage, happy to see it could still fly at least, but she wouldn't be able to fire missiles out of it until she got it repaired.

Remiel got up, but had to fly out of the way as Jophiel bombarded Remiel with another barrage of missiles.

“Don't you just love Ether based weaponry?” Messiah asked, “They can just keep generating ammunition without needing to reload! Perfect for somepony like me, wouldn't you say Dashie?”

Well that explained it. She did have unlimited ammunition! How the hell was she able to afford something like that?! And why did she keep calling her that?

Was the pilot of that Archangel really...?

Remiel stopped with a skid, and then pointed its horn at Johpiel again, firing its thunder Ether again. Jophiel tried to block with its wings, but Remiel charged into Jophiel tackling it to the ground. Remiel stepped back as Rainbow Dash hailed the pilot.

“Pinkie Pie! That's you in there, isn't it?!” Rainbow Dash shouted. On her monitor, she saw the pilot, and her heart sank into her stomach. Her mane was straightened, she was wearing pink and white knight's armor, and her helmet had a white mouth guard, but her eyes gave her away.

The pony she once called her best friend, her sister, at one point even her lover...

Pinkamena Diane Pie...

“Good to see you Dashie,” Messiah said, somewhat calmer now, “You grew your mane out, I see. I always thought you'd look sexy with a longer mane.”

“Pinkie Pie... why?” Rainbow Dash asked, trembling in horror seeing the pink mare piloting that Archangel.”

“My name isn't Pinkie Pie anymore, Dashie. That mare died eight years ago and you know it. My name is Messiah, protector of Mother Magdalene.”

“Mother Magdalene?! You mean the leader of Yggdrasil?! Pinkie Pie, don't tell me you-”

“Do you care, Dashie?” Messiah asked, “Ironic coming from you, Element of Loyalty.”

That hurt, but if this was about what Rainbow Dash thought it was about, she deserved it, “Pinkie, I'm sorry, but I-”

“There's no need to apologize,” Messiah said, “I found something I want to do even more than to be your lover.”

“Pinkie Pie, what are you-” Rainbow Dash asked, cut off by Messiah's laughter.

“Come, Dashie!” Messiah cried out, the sanity once again leaving her voice, “Let's you and me fight till our hearts content! Till the only thing left of our Archangels are piles of scrap! Then we'll leave our Archangels and fight, and fight, and fight, until neither one of us can stand anymore! WON'T THAT BE FUN DASHIE?!!!”

Jophiel charged over to Remiel again, slashing with its horn. Remiel blocked as best as it could, but it was taking too much damage. At this rate, she wasn't going to last much longer.

“Damn it! I need a miracle and I need it now!” Rainbow Dash shouted.

“Hey!” Sweetie Belle shouted, “I think I see an Archangel fighting down there!”

Scootaloo, Spike, and Apple Bloom ran over to the window and saw a pink and white Archangel clashing horns with a familiar multicolored Archangel. Scootaloo recognized it immediately.

“Remiel!” Scootaloo shouted, “That's Rainbow Dash's Archangel!”

“Why is she alone though?” Apple Bloom asked, panic evident in her voice, “Where's mah sistur?”

Spike ran over to Octavia at the helm, “Can you land us there?” he asked.

“No,” Octavia said simply.

“Why not?!” Sweetie Belle cried, “Our mission is to rescue them, isn't it?!”

“Your mission is to rescue them,” Octavia said, “You're the ones dumb enough to volunteer for this job. Don't let me stand in your way.”

“Argh!” Scootaloo groaned, “Open the Archangel hatch! I'm taking Gabriel down there to help her!”

As Scootaloo galloped to the hanger, Spike, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom looked at each other and nodded. They soon followed after their friend, leaving Octavia by herself at the helm.

“Idiots,” she spat, “Choosing to fight of they're own free will. This country is doomed anyway.”

Still, she opened the hatch for them. Otherwise they'd probably blow the door open and she'd really be in trouble. If they wanted to die early, that was on them.

* * * *

“I'm picking up multiple signals further ahead,” Octavia said to all of them on their radios, “From here they look like Judex.”

“We'll investigate that area,” Spike said activating Lucifer, “Scootaloo, we'll leave Rainbow Dash to you.”

“Got it!” Scootaloo said, turning on her new Archangel Gabriel, “Apple Bloom, how are you feeling over there?”

“Ah'm fine,” Apple Bloom said as Ariel came to life, “Come on y'all. The sooner we get down there the sooner we can all go home.”

“Right! Sweetie Belle, are you comfortable?” Spike asked the mare sitting in his lap.

Sweetie Belle nodded, “I'm perfect,” she said wrapping her forelegs around him, “I have you here protecting me. I'll do whatever I can to keep you safe as well.”

Spike wasn't sure how he felt about Sweetie Belle being inside Lucifer with him, but she insisted. Spike would talk to Luna and Celestia later about having a copilot seat installed if this persisted. Though he had to admit, having her in his lap like this did feel nice.

The hatch opened up, and Gabriel walked out to the edge first.

“Once you hit the ground you won't be able to contact this ship,” Octavia explained, “Try not to die before I land, okay?”

“Whatever,” Scootaloo said rolling her eyes, “Gabriel, launching!”

The orange and black Archangel galloped to the edge and jumped off, using jets on its feet to fly down to where Remiel was. On his monitor, Spike saw Ariel trot up next to Lucifer, and Apple Bloom appeared on his screen. She looked really nervous.

“It's going to be okay,” Spike assured, “It's just like the simulations.”

Apple Bloom nodded and cut the link, walking Ariel to the edge of the ship, “A-Ariel, launching!”

Ariel jumped off and hovered further away, toward where the Judex were spotted. It was Spike's turn. Before walking Lucifer to the edge, he took out the Element of Magic and looked at it.

“Twilight...” he said, wondering what Twilight would think about him piloting Lucifer. Rarity was enraged for some reason, so Twilight might not be happy either. No, Twilight wanted him to pilot Lucifer, he knew it. Somehow, being inside Lucifer made him feel like Twilight was right next to him.

“Are you ready?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Yeah, I am,” Spike said, this time hanging the Element of Magic over the dashboard, “Lucifer, launching!”

Outside, Lucifer's eyes glowed brightly for a split second. It gave a mechanical whinny and then galloped to the edge jumping off the ship.

“The power of this machine is amazing!” Spike said guiding Lucifer to the surface, “I can literally feel the magic radiating off of it!”

“Spike, are you going to be okay?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“I'll be fine,” Spike said, “Somehow, I can tell. Lucifer isn't going to hurt us. It's on our side, and it's going to help us save Applejack and Rainbow Dash.”

Hearing that, Sweetie Belle tightened her embrace around Spike and leaned into him. Was she smiling now? Spike thought...

No time to worry about it. He had a job to do and friends to save. With Lucifer's power, no enemy would ever stand in his way again. He could protect Sweetie Belle, find Twilight, and save his friends. He knew exactly why Celestia was so adamant about this Archangel's ability, and why the griffins feared it so much.

With Lucifer's power, he could protect everyone!

Author's Note

Pinkie Pie is the second command of Yggdrasil, but she seems more concerned with her fight against Rainbow Dash, something she's visibly obsessed with. With new Archangels in tow, will Spike and his friends get to Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Diamond Tiara in time?

PS: Messiah's personality was inspired partially by Jin Kisaragi from Blazblue.