Extinction

Guardian looked at the eight ponies in the now empty war room, each one eager for an explanation to countless things.

"I suppose I'll start with Ponyville." As soon as said this the Element bearers or 'Team Harmony' immediately snapped their complete and undivided attention to him.

"We have yet to complete a full census, but we can confirm that all of your families among the ten percent have successfully evacuated to Apploosa."

The six relaxed as their first reaction. Guardian was almost hopeful they missed it, but no such luck as Twilight's expression went from relieved to horrified in the blink of an eye.

"Only...ten...percent?" She said, her voice wavering.

"Yes." He replied plainly. "Ten percent."

All six just stared at him in shock and disbelief. "But...all my friends...." Pinkie said in a barley audible whisper.

The silence was the worst for Guardian, he was expecting them to blow up in his face, just like Celestia did. Instead they just sat there, completely unable to move or speak. Finally he had some guards escort them out into their barracks. He turned to address Luna and Celestia. They already knew about Ponyville, he had informed them earlier. But saying it all a second time wasn't any easier.

Celestia sighed, "Any news of the Crystal Empire?" She asked.

"It's still standing as far as we know," Guardian replied, "The Hallowed have yet to reach them. If we hurry then we can send the rest of the reinforcements. To intercept them."

"What exactly is your plan here?" Luna said almost accusingly.

Guardian gave her a subtle glare, but otherwise continued on, "Their dreadnought airships will most likely be at the front of the line," A 3D map of the Crystal Empire, along with the frozen tundra around it, appeared on the table. In front of the city was a large, dark mass with about two dozen airships flying high above it. "We move in from the east while Shining Armor's own forces engage them from the north."

A blue group of lined up dots appeared on the eastern side of the Dark Armies, while purple dots formed a barrier on the outskirts of the city.

"I will be leading our forces. That for sure will draw Denthar out."

The dots converged on each other, creating one giant multicolored blob on the center of the map.

"When I find him I'll send you the signal, that's when you two bring the remaining troops here in Cantorlot and provide additional support."

More blue dots approached from the south and joined the swirling mass.

"That will weaken Denthars forces, and we'll be able to round up Team Harmony and use the Elements on Him."

With that the map disappeared, leaving the subject open to more bitter questions from Luna, "You mean to tell me we are to leave Cantorlot completely unguarded?" She scoffed a bit harder this time.

Guardian gave her a stare that rivaled Fluttershy's, "If we fail at the Empire then it won't make a difference if Cantorlot's unguarded or not."

"Doesn't matter? Are you saying you're throwing more lives away?! To settle some ancient grudge of yours?"

Why did every single one of these meetings end up in a falling out, "Luna, if we have the additional support, there's a better chance that we'll succeed!"

The Night Princess wouldn't back down, "You're asking us to basically gamble the lives of our subjects on a chance that we'll win?!"

"I'm asking you to trust me!"

Luna was taken aback at the outburst, "All I ever wanted was your trust!" He repeated, his voice shaky.

Guardian looked at her with tears in his eyes, "Where has your trust in me gone? I'm still the same person from one thousand years ago. I'm still your father. Why don't you believe in me anymore?"

Luna's eyes softened. All previous fire in her had been drained out, leaving only guilt. She didn't speak for a moment, her eyes refusing to meet her father's. Celestia just looked on, praying that the two would end their bickering right here and now.

"Of course I do." The Moon Princess finally answered. "I just can't bear the death of anymore of our subjects.

Guardian moved around the table to rest a hand on her shoulder. "I just need your faith, if we pull through this, nopony else has to die."

The main square of Cantorlot has been packed to the limit with ponies. A military official stood atop a podium, reading names off a list in front of him. The soldiers from Ponyville sat up front, Twilight and her friends in the very middle.

Just with almost every name listed, somepony burst into tears. The list was of all the ponies that lost their lives when Ponyville was attacked.

Applejack was the most anxious of all, living on the outskirts of town gave her family the advantage of time when the Hallowed arrived. But the moment was nonetheless terrifying.

Rarity, who had finally been able to join them, also feared for her sister, who was left in the care of the Apple Family when the war started. As was Scootaloo. Pinkie, knowing every single pony in town, was the one it was most painful for. Each name said was a shot to the heart. At this point she was curled into a ball on the ground, unmoving, and not even making a sound. Fluttershy (who had also been relieved) was doing her best to comfort the former party pony, but no response has been given.

"Lyra Heartstrings."

The names went on and on. Twilight was sure they had been there for at least an hour.

"Berry Punch."

They were all on edge. Nothing is worse than waiting for somepony to say everypony you know and love is dead.

"Cheerilie."

Every parent just drew a sharp breath. The school teacher was well known throughout Ponyville and was loved especially by the children.

"Big Macintosh."

That did it for all of them. Applejack began hyperventilating. Rarity and Rainbow Dash had to move to her sides so she wouldn't fall over. The earth pony stared at the ground, breathing heavily and tears were.forming in her eyes. Twilight ushered the three out of the square. Once they had left she turned to Fluttershy, "Do you think you can get Pinkie up?"

Fluttershy shook her head sadly, "She won't be going anywhere for a while. Besides, somepony has to stay to hear the rest of the names."

"Are you sure?" Twilight asked.

"Positive." She replied confidently.

Twilight left the square to find the rest of her friends. As she walked she saw others in the same situation as they were. Most were lucky enough to have friends there to support them. Others were less fortunate and were either wailing uncontrollably or completely motionless. When she finally found the others, the scene almost broke her heart. Rarity and Rainbow Dash stood off to the side, the pegasus crying softly to herself, the unicorn just stared sympathetically at Applejack. The farm pony herself was an absolute wreck. She was continuously driving her hoof into the ground making dents in the earth around her. Her eyes were streaming and she cried in grief and anguish.

Twilight joined the other two, "Shouldn't we help her?" She asked.

"It's best not to." Replied Rarity, "I've delt with breakdowns before, and its better to allow her to let it out first."

Twilight desperately wanted to help her, but she trusted the fashionista and proceeded to watch the agonizing sight. A royal guard carrying a large wooden box on his back was attempting to approach Applejack, but Rarity motioned form him to stop. He obliged and walked over to join them. He took a seat next to Twilight and set the box on the ground. "You friend's of Miss Applejack?" He asked. The three nodded.

"Sergent Rainy Day, I've come to deliver something to Applejack," he indicated the box, "Celestia's orders."

Twilight gasped when she saw what lay inside. She looked back and forth from Rainy Day to the box a couple of times, then at Applejack who had fallen silent and stood up with her head hung low.

"Let me see it." She said softly.

"The survivors say he fought with the strength of a thousand Royal guards." He said as he pushed the box in front of her.

She almost burst into a second wave of tears. The top was transparent and the inside was lined with velvet, displaying Big Mac's work harness. Applejack remained still for a moment, then turned around away from them and vomited onto the ground. Rarity decided now was the time to comfort her, and moved to her side while she heaved her lunch onto the floor.

"I'll take my leave then." announced Rainy Day.

"Thank you Sergent, this was too kind of you." He fired a salute before trotting off back towards the palace.

Applejack had stopped spewing and was being put through some breathing exercise by Rarity. The unicorn spoke a few words to her, and the two walked towards the group.

"Applejack? You with us?" Asked Rainbow Dash.

The farm pony nodded without looking at her. She seemed too focused on the ground.

Before they could say anything the loudspeakers blared to life, "All units, report to the hanger immediately and to your designated drop ship. This is not a drill, we are being mobilized."

Fluttershy and Pinkie had returned from the assembly. The pegasus was subtly keeping her distance from the earth pony, whose hair was now deflated and her coat was several shades darker.

The announcement continued, "All Alpha squads are to remain in Cantorlot until further notice, Team Harmony report to the war room for debriefing by Celestia. All other squads proceed to the hanger."

"Alright girls." All five turned to the farm pony, who spoke with the most venom and hatred she ever had in her life, "I'd say it's time to avenge Ponyville."

Shining Armor stared through his binoculars at the dark mass approaching the city. The army stretched for miles, with at least twelve airships flying above surrounded by a black cloud that could only be dragons. His own forces sat behind a wall constructed around the city, ready to defend it.

He turned to his Sergeant, "Any word from Cantorlot?"

Spitfire shook her head, "We know that it had been hit by the Hallowed earlier. Whether they survived or not is unknown."

Shining cursed under his breath. They had a limited fighting force and almost no air support. Since no reinforcements had come, he could only assume the worst for Cantorlot.

His soldier instincts didn't let him dwell on it too long, though his heart ached for Twily.

The lead airship was massive, the length was maybe more than the radius of the city. Their flak cannons wouldn't be nearly enough to take down the behemoth.

"Sir, we don't have the firepower to destroy those ships," Spitfire echoed his thoughts, "At best we could hold off the dragons for half an hour."

Shining Armor closed his eyes tight. All he ever dealt with in his career was a Changeling invasion, a dragon attack, and the occasional skirmish with the Gryphons. It wasn't to say he nor any soldier was out of practice, the Equestrian military was not something to be toyed with.

Then again neither was the army in front of him.

"Just prepare what we have." He replied. If they went down, they'll go down fighting.

He glanced up towards the top of the castle, where Cadence and the Crystal Heart were. If the main force fell, she was the last line of defence. During their short time in Cantorlot for debriefing and planning, Celestia taught Cadence a few spells that would at least make a dent in enemy forces.

He didn't even want to think about it. He had to see Twilight again, he had to see his wife again, his parents, his friends. And he had to see them alive. Those thoughts is what drove him through this war. And it'll carry him all the way to the end.

"Captain!" Called one of the scouts, "There's something approaching from the East."

"Can you tell what it is?"

"Whatever it is its kicking up too much snow to make out. It could be stray w--"

He stopped mid-sentence, his eyes grew wide through his binoculars and his jaw dropped open.

"I don't believe it..."

Shining just stared at him confusion, "What is it soldier?"

"It's reinforcements."

"What?"

"It's reinforcements!" He shouted in joy.

The outburst had drawn the attention of other ponies, now they were taking out their own recon devices and gasping in awe and disbelief.

The Captain was looking through his own binoculars and almost leaped for joy at the sight.

A legion of battle tanks was speeding through the snow, mains in the front, AA in the middle, and heavy artillery in the back. Jets soared above the front line with drop ships following close behind. Shining Armor was amazed at the shear numbers. He had no idea Cantorlot had that many units in reserve. A voice came on the radio, "This is Guardian to Captain Shining Armor do you copy?"

"Yes! Yes! This is Shining Armor!" He could barley contain his excitement.

"Captain, are your troops ready?"

"Affirmative, we are ready and awaiting your command."

"Give the order, engage the enemy."

The booming of the artillery tanks had begun and the first shells were landing. The tank battalions were dispersing into formation, and the jets went headfirst into the fray. Guardian was riding atop the lead fighter, were a proper assessment could be done. The lead enemy airship was no doubt a flagship, and Denthar no doubt was aboard.

Any minute now, they got closer and closer. Just before the dragons and jets intersected, Guardian did a flying leap off the plane, drew his swords and impaled an unlucky dragon through the head. He was now free falling through the air, bringing the dead dragon with him. Unfortunately, the rider was still alive. But before it could take aim, Guardian pulled one of his blades out and decapitated the rider. He sheathed his swords and gathered energy in his hands. He dived headfirst into the black mass beneath him. Just before he hit the ground he released all the energy in a blinding flash.

He stood in the crater with his head hung low. Surrounding him were Hallowed with guns, all pointed right at him. They fired away, only to hit a bubble shield surrounding him. When the volley stopped, it exploded outward in bolts of lightning that struck each Hallowed square in chest. They all fell to the ground, dead.

Guardian wasted no time, he drew his blades again and leaped out of the crater. He landed in a particularly condensed area, slicing all of them in halves. More and more approached, and he cut them down like trees. His blades flew, cutting and slicing every Hallowed unlucky enough to get too close. He blocked every blow, dodged very shot. One monster came at him with a spear. He twirled around, grabbed the shaft and yanked it back into the abdomen of an Emmy behind him. He blasted the spear wielder in the head with a shot from his hand. He yanked out the spear and threw it at a passing dragon. The javelin went into the beasts heart and it fell, crushing several Hallowed beneath it.

He twisted and turned, mowing down the waves of darkness. He was untouchable. He disarmed, dismembered, and decapitated every Hallowed that came into close proximity. Maybe this time, he thought.

"Maybe this is the day it all ends."

Shining Armor was engaged in a sword fight with possibly the ugliest creature he'd ever seen. The savage beast was easy to dodge, it's movements were sloppy with no stance whatsoever. He just had to wait for the right moment.

There. Shining's blade was embedded in the monsters heart. It made a gurgling sound before collapsing. He pulled his sword out of it and took in his surroundings. Several ponies of all races were fighting the monstrosities, several others lay dead or dying, their blood staining the snow red. He looked up towards the airship that was now above him. The enormous ship had shot down all squadrons so far sent to engage it. It got so bad all fighters were ordered to withdraw and focus on the dragons.

The ground fight was going well. They were able so far to keep the Hallowed at bay on the ramparts. Thought the flagship was getting too close to the city for his liking. This weird light was pulsating in the center of its under side, and his head was starting to hurt.

"This is Captain Shining Armor reporting!"

Guardian was still in the fray, hacking away at the enemy.

"Go ahead."

"The lead airship is almost over the city, and this weird light is coming from underneath it..."

Guardian's eyes went wide. How did he forget.

"It's giving me a headache..."

Guarding cried out in fury. Energy exploded out from under him, vaporizing all Hallowed in the vicinity. He sailed through the air, landing on the back of a dragon. He threw the rider off and took hold of the reigns. The dragon soared but only for a short time, as it was quickly shot down by enemy riders. Guardian leapt off and returned fire with bolts from his hands.

He took the moment to look towards the city and cried out in anguish along with the screams off the unicorns coming through the radio. The light under the ship was almost blinding now. When he hit the ground the weapon fired and the Crystal Palace crumbled to the ground.