Chapters The military of Manehattan charged to their assigned point. A winged dinosaur like beast would occasionally snag a soldier and kill him. The soldiers' assault rifles blazed as they tried to shoot down the flying creatures. One soldier fired at a beast as another landed behind him. He turned as the creature let out a terrifying screech. The soldier screamed and the beast grabbed his head, yanking it off. As the creature flew on, it dropped the decapitated head. A barrage of high caliber bullets were sent into the flying creature, bringing it down. A convoy of heavy choppers flew onto the scene, carrying more soldiers. One helicopter carried some of Equestria's surviving defenders, Shining Armor, Cadence, and Snowdrop. Shining Armor walked up to the pilot.
“Destination dead ahead,” the pilot informed.
“Set her down nice and easy for me,” Shining Armor requested.
“Don't I always?” the pilot asked.
“And by always you mean not once?” Shining Armor retorted. The pilot chuckled. Shining Armor turned to the co-pilot. In this case, Cadence.
“Major?” he called. He patted Cadence on the shoulder and she got up. Cadence walked over to the soldiers, and Shining Armor grinned. Cadence looked back and Shining Armor walked over as well. Cadence turned to the soldiers in the chopper.
“All right,” she said. “You have the rendezvous coordinates. White Tail Woods. From there, we access the portal to Celestia's Sky Temple.”
“Where there's an angry former Elder God and his devils waiting for us,” Shining Armor added. A soldier shook his head.
“Gods, portals, flying demons,” he grumbled.
“Blind mares with magic swords,” Shining Armor included. Snowdrop smiled. She had a red blindfold covering her faded eyes.
“The world has changed,” she said. “For the worst if we do not dispel Tirek from Celestia's temple. He means to poison Equestria's life force.”
“And we're not going to let that happen,” Cadence said.
“Snowdrop and I appreciate the Major allowing us to join you,” Shining Armor said. “We're happy to help kick Tirek's bony ass back to the Everfree Forest.” The chopper began to shake. The three defenders ran to the cockpit to see a chopper ahead of them crash to the ground and explode.
“We gotta land this thing!” the pilot cried. Another chopper blew up and a chained spear stuck into the pilot's face. It dragged him out of the chopper. Cadence got into the pilot's seat. Shining Armor and Snowdrop turned and saw something. The soldiers in the helicopter turned to see Fluttershy there. Fluttershy proceeded to kill all the soldiers, cutting off heads, stabbing, any way possible. She flung a fireball at Snowdrop, knocking her back.
“Get over here!” Fluttershy cried. She threw her chained spear at Shining Armor, who caught it mid-fly.
“Damn, I'm good,” he said to himself. He kicked Fluttershy back, still holding the chain, and yanked her back to him. He slammed her against the walls before Fluttershy swung. Shinging Armor countered each strike, and punched Fluttershy in the head. Fluttershy grabbed a knife and ran at her foe. Shining Armor blocked the attack, but Fluttershy pushed downward. Shining Armor fell to the floor, still holding back the knife. He kicked Fluttershy away, and Snowdrop, who had recovered, tackled her out of the chopper. Fluttershy grabbed onto a beam and Snowdrop clung to Fluttershy's back hoof. Another pony walked up. Shining Armor got up to see an undead Rainbow Dash. The two soldiers who had survived Flutterhshy attacked, but Rainbow Dash grabbed their heads and froze them solid. She bashed the frozen heads together, shattering them. She threw one of the bodies at Shining Armor, who ducked. The body hit the back of the cockpit, and a severed head rolled at Shining Armor. He quickly rolled it out of the chopper.
“Nasty,” he said. Rainbow Dash formed and ice sword and jumped. Shining Armor caught the sword by the flat side of the blade and shattered it. He kicked Rainbow Dash to the ceiling. Rainbow Dash hit the ceiling and fell back down. She attacked Shining Armor, but he avoided her swings. He retaliated. As they fought, Fluttershy and Snowdrop were still hanging on outside the helicopter. Fluttershy kicked Snowdrop off of her. Snowdrop drew her sword and drove it into the side of the chopper, stopping herself from falling. Shining Armor defended against Rainbow Dash's attacks, then hit her in the face. Shining Armor felt a breath on his neck. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Fluttershy. He elbowed her in the face and ducked to avoid another of Rainbow Dash's attacks. He slugged Rainbow Dash in the gut, leaving Rainbow Dash momentarily stunned. Shining Armor grabbed Fluttershy's and Rainbow Dash's heads and knocked them together, sending them reeling back. Rainbow Dash was grabbed by Snowdrop's telekinesis and flung out the back of the chopper. Shining Armor grabbed Fluttershy and punched her out the side. Fluttershy used her chained spear as a grapple and wedged it into the side of the helicopter. Shining Armor saw her climb up.
“No!” Shining Armor cried. He tackled Fluttershy out the side again and they fell. Fluttershy teleported away just before she hit the ground. Shining Armor hit the hard asphalt. Cadence lost control of the chopper and crashed to the ground, knocking her unconscious. Shining Armor struggled to get up. When he did, he ran to the chopper to make sure Cadence was OK. Fluttershy appeared in front of him.
“The end is near,” she said.
“Getting a little ahead of yourself, aren't you?” Shining Armor asked. He and Fluttershy fought on the streets. After returning some hits, Shining Armor stunned Fluttershy by punching her in the face, then roundhouse kicked her in the jaw, dislocating it. He then drove Fluttershy's face into his knee, fracturing the skull. He did a back flip, kicking Fluttershy in the jaw, cracking her neck. Fluttershy fell to the ground and didn't get up.
“Gotta get back to the chopper,” Shining Armor said. Cadnece started to wake up. Shining Armor continued running.
“Cadence!” he cried. “Get out of there!” An icy blast suddenly struck Shining Armor in the back, severely slowing his movement. Rainbow Dash walked up to him, ice sword formed. Shining Armor spotted a crowbar lying on the ground. Rainbow Dash swung as Shining Armor ducked and rolled. The ice melted away as he grabbed the crowbar. Rainbow Dash swung again, and the strike ricocheted off the crowbar. Shining Armor swung at Rainbow Dash's hooves, knocking her over. Shining Armor got up and stepped back as Rainbow Dash got up. He shivered.
“That was unpleasantly cold,” he recalled. Rainbow Dash attacked him. Shining Armor and Rainbow Dash each blocked and countered each hit they took. After a bit, Shining Armor executed the same bone breaking maneuver he used on Fluttershy. Rainbow Dash didn't get up.
“I liked it better when we fought on the same side,” Shining Armor said. He ran back to the downed helicopter. Snowdrop was helping Cadence out. Cadence coughed in the smoke.
“You OK?” Shining Armor asked. Cadence nodded.
“We fared better than the soldiers,” Snowdrop regretted.
“Add 'em to the list of things Tirek's gonna pay for,” Shining Armor said. The group nodded and ran off to White Tail Woods, to get to Celestia's Sky Temple.
~~~
At the sky temple, hundreds of Everfree Forest ghouls were trying to advance on Celestia and Braveheart, Prince of the Wind. Celestia threw lighting at the ghouls while Braveheart sent them flying away with the wind. A ghoul grabbed Braveheart by the throat. Braveheart bashed the monster away. More ghouls dropped from flying ones around Braveheart. Celestia impaled one in the head with her staff and continued to fight. Braveheart used his axe to cut away at the ghouls. One of them bit Celestia in the shoulder, and she knocked it down. She stabbed it with her staff, killing it. A flying ghoul knocked Celestia to the ground. It gave a roar and was cut down the middle by Braveheart. He helped Celestia up.
“Celesita,” he said. “We must refortify the portal's defenses below.”
“No, Braveheart,” Celestia disagreed. “It is too late.” More ghouls approached Celestia and Braveheart. One of them gave a loud roar, but a green skull flew through it's chest. Braveheart and Celestia avoided the flying skull. The ghoul fell to the ground. The other ghouls had parted for their master, Octavia.
“The mighty gods of Equestria,” Octavia mocked.
“You befoul these hallowed grounds, Octavia,” Celestia said. “Begone.”
“Surly you are pleased to see your friends,” Octavia said. Applebloom, Trixie, and Sweetie Belle walked up, all of them undead. “You abandoned them to their deaths,” Octavia accused. “I restored them to life.”
“A life worse than death,” Celestia retorted.
“One you will soon share,” Octavia threatened. “And my lord himself shall witness your fall.” The ghouls cried and charged at Celestia and Braveheart.
~~~
In a Everfree Forest camp in the White Tail Woods, ghouls were piling bodies of soldiers. Shining Armor, Cadence, and Snowdrop were sneaking up behind the trees with more soldiers. Shining Armor's eyes widened at the sight he saw. Big Mac and Derpy were in the camp, undead.
“Big Mac,” Shining Armor gasped. Cadence's eyes started to tear up. Snowdrop nodded and the soldiers started to advance. A portal suddenly opened up behind them and an undead Scootaloo emerged with a group of ghouls.
“Scootaloo,” Snowdrop cried. Scootaloo raised her axe to the sky, and red lighting struck it, signaling the attack. Snowdrop and her group of soldiers attacked. Big Mac looked to see.
“There,” he said. The camp of ghouls attacked. Cadence and Shining Armor helped in the fight. Derpy knocked away any soldier that came close. Shining Armor attacked Derpy and got knocked back.
“Derpy,” he said.
“Derpy is dead,” Derpy denied. “I am Ditzy.” Ditzy attacked Shining Armor. Cadence was getting beat by Big Mac. She got knocked to the ground as Shining Armor finished up with Ditzy. He looked to see Cadence on the ground.
“This is your last mission, Cadence,” Big Mac said. He got tackled by Shining Armor. They both got up and ready to fight.
“The real Big Mac wouldn't punch his best friend,” Shining Armor said.
“Shining Armor,” Big Mac said. “Killing you will be a pleasure.” Shining Armor fought back as best he could against Big Mac's mechanical legs. Big Mac got ahold of Shining Armor and threw him to the ground, snapping his chest bone. Big Mac grabbed Shining Armor again and threw him to the ground again, breaking his back. Shining Armor got up and continued the fight. He broke Big Mac's jaw, face, and neck as he had done with Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. Big Mac fell to the ground, beaten.
“We're gonna fix you someday,” Shining Armor vowed. He picked up his rifle and walked to the nearby cave with Cadence. “Well,” he said. “Nice seeing them again.” Cadence sighed at the sight of Big Mac. “Cadence,” Shining Armor said, putting a hoof on her shoulder. “That's not him.” Cadence nodded and ran into the cave with Shining Armor. They caught up with Snowdrop and her group of soldiers.
“Got the elevator?” Shining Armor asked.
“Yes,” Snowdrop replied. “The elevator. This sword contains the souls of my ancestors. They guide me.” The cave shook.
“Could they hurry the hell up?” Shining Armor wondered. He ran off to see how Cadence was doing. Some of her soldiers were ahead, keeping any ghouls at bay. Snowdrop held up her sword, feeling where the portal was. When she had reached the spot, she uttered some strange words, and the portal opened. Shining Armor looked to see, and smiled.
“Going up,” he called.
“Fall back,” Cadence ordered. “Now!” She ran with her group of soldiers to the portal.
“Go on,” Shining Armor urged. He ran back to a couple of remaining soldiers. “You guys stay here,” he said. “Close the door.” The soldiers pulled out some C4 and ran back to the cave entrance. Shining Armor ran into the portal after Cadence.
~~~
Celestia and Braveheart were trying to hold back Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Trixie. Braveheart used wind to slow them down, and Celestia threw lighting in their paths. Octavia was close behind her pawns. She laughed, as she knew her master was coming. Celestia and Braveheart knocked their former friends to the ground, and black smoke began to encircle them. They waited for the right moment, then jumped back. Two giant bony hooves clapped together. Celestia and Braveheart stepped back.
“You see it now, Celestia,” Tirek said, as the bony hooves moved away. Tirek turned to face Celestia and Braveheart. “Your legacy. You poison their hearts with hope.”
“And what do you offer?” Celestia inquired. “The same as you did millennia ago, when you betrayed your fellow Elder Gods and attacked Equestria. We stopped you then. Imprisoned you in the Everfree Forest. We will do so again.”
“Remove the shadow from the light,” Tirek said. “The shadow grows. The legacy of life is death, Celestia. My followers accept this and live on. They fight for me.” Sweetie Belle charged at Celestia and drove her hooked blades into her shoulders. Celestia cried in pain, and grabbed the blades. Electricity flew through, them zapping Sweetie Belle. Octavia attacked next, and Celestia fought back. She knocked Octavia back, and Octavia threw a skull with it's spine at Celestia. It latched onto Celestia's face and pulled her close. Octavia punched Celestia to the ground. Braveheart kicked Octavia away and did battle with Applebloom. Trixie grabbed Braveheart and screamed into his ears, before Celestia came to the rescue. She shocked Trixie and let her fall. Celestia and Braveheart faced Tirek. Tirek smirked and threw a blast of magic at the two from an amulet. Celestia and Braveheart were propelled back, shattering the stone door to Equestria's life force. Tirek walked inside, marveling at the power he would soon have.
“You'll not touch the life force,” Braveheart fumed.
“Oh, I will,” Tirek said. “And all of Equestria will know the truth of death.” He held out his amulet and drew Braveheart's and Celestia's souls away. Before he could finish, he was knocked forward, dropping the amulet. Shining Armor, Cadence, and Snowdrop walked in.
“Oh, sorry, ma'am,” Shining Armor faked. “Didn't see you there.”
“Miserable wretch!” Tirek cursed. “Insignificant speck of petulant scum! How dare you!” He hurled magic at Snowdrop, knocking her away. Celestia and Braveheart got up. Celestia looked at the amulet. Tirek followed her gaze.
“That is mine,” he said. Celestia threw lighting at him, but it was deflected. Tirek propelled Braveheart back to the ground with red magic. Cadence opened fire with her assault rifle, but Tirek put up a shield to defend himself. The bullets ricocheted off the magic. When the barrage had stopped, Tirek dissipated the shield. Cadence threw her gun to the ground.
“Ready?” she asked Shining Armor.
“As always,” Shining Armor said. He and Cadence ran at Tirek, but were no match for him. Cadence was knocked to the ground and Shining Armor to the wall. Celestia and Cadence ran to the amulet, but Tirek knocked them back. He electrocuted Cadence with his red lighting. Cadence screamed in pain. Shining Armor got up and saw.
“She will be the first to join me,” Tirek decided. He began to build up his magic.
“No!” Shining Armor cried. He began to glow with a green light as he ran. He jumped in front of Cadence as Tirek fired off his blast. The magic dissipated on contact with Shining Armor. He hit the ground and rolled. Tirek looked in confusion. Shining Armor got up, confused as well.
“I'm not quite sure what just happened to me,” he said. “But I am sure of this. Don't even think of hurting her.” Shining Armor and Tirek fought brutally. Out of sheer anger, Shining Armor broke Tirek's jaw, face, and neck as he had done with his other foes. Tirek fell to the ground.
“You really are a fallen Elder God,” Shining Armor mocked. He lit up green again as Tirek got up. He was ready to finish him.
“Shining Armor!” Celestia cried. “The amulet!” Shining Armor looked down to see the amulet at his hooves. He kicked it back and Celestia caught it.
“Now!” Shining Armor cried. He jumped out of the way as Celestia used the amulet's magic. Tirek tried to fight it, but he couldn't. He was drawn into the amulet. Celestia breathed, as the amulet had taken a great force to use. “Enjoy your new days, gramps,” Shining Armor said. He ran over to Cadence.
“Cadence,” he whispered.
“Shining,” Cadence managed. “Did you...did we...”
“Yeah,” Shining Armor said. “We got him.” Cadence passed out in Shining Armor's hooves.
“Remain here,” Celestia said. “The chamber's properties will heal Cadence in short order.” Shining Armor nodded. Snowdrop and Braveheart walked up.
“Octavia and the others,” Snowdrop said. “They're gone. A search of power in the chamber overwhelmed my senses.”
“We can deal with Octavia later, Snowdrop,” Braveheart said.
“We've claimed a bigger prize this day,” Celestia said.
“Tirek's amulet,” Snowdrop marveled. “And within it.”
“Old fishface himself,” Shining Armor said.
“Let us take the amulet to the Elder Gods,” Braveheart suggested.
“They cannot destroy it,” Celestia said. “Nopony can.”
“They might offer council,” Braveheart said. “Tirek can never escape.” Celestia and Braveheart left the chamber, and Snowdrop stayed.
“The war is not over,” she reminded. “Octavia has escaped. Why are you smiling?” Shining Armor looked at Snowdrop.
“She called me 'Shining',” he said. He was referring to the fact that Cadence did love him. Shining Armor smiled down at Cadence.
~~~Twenty Years Later~~~
“Celestia told me later that I was the descendant of some Mediterranean Warcolts,” Shining Armor explained to a group of defenders. “Bred as warriors for the gods. I've never been able to re-summon that green halo. Celestia thinks it was triggered when I saw a loved one about to die.” One of the defenders shook her head.
“What about you, Anthem,” she asked Shining Armor's son. “Can you summon anything like that, or did it skip a generation?” Her friend elbowed her.
“Take it easy, Cold Front,” he said.
“We didn't need a halo in Neighagra,” Anthem said. “Or Dodge City. Or Ghastly Gorge. Did we Little Mac?”
“Nope,” Little Macintosh said. “Did the Unicorns ever send you there, Cold Front?”
“I've seen plenty of action,” Cold Front retorted. “Raindrop and I both. Stuff that blows your special forces mind.”
“At ease,” Shining Armor ordered. “You're all here because you deserve to be. You're beautiful and unique snowflakes.” Anthem rolled his eyes. “Now,” Shining Armor continued. “As I'm sure you're unaware, judging from the lack of gift cards, today is our team's six week anniversary. Secretary Lyra says she's pleased with our progress.”
“She'd be spitting her mane if she was pleased with our progress,” Cold Front denied.
“She was smart enough to allow Mr. Armor to put this team together,” Little Mac said.
“And I'm glad the Pegasi chose me to join,” Raindrop agreed. “New places, new faces.”
“As the secretary pointed out,” Shining Armor said. “Us older folks are going to retire someday. So it's time for your generation to step up. Unicorns, Pegasus Ponies, SF, together. For your team's first mission, you're going to the Pegasi Temple. We haven't heard from the Grand Mare in a while, so we need to make sure she's still on our side. That she's got our backs if things flare up again with Tartarus. You need to bring her in, but don't be surprised if Rainbow Dash isn't willing to cooperate.”
“Why are we worried about Tartarus?” Anthem asked. “I thought Nyx was friends with the Warcolts.”
“She is,” Shining Armor said. “But she's facing a civil war. The rebels win, those accords will be history.”
In a city in Tartarus, Nyx's army marched toward the opposing rebel army. Nyx herself was inside a chariot, with Vinyl and Blackheart, a Changeling that could control Parasprites. Vinyl and Nyx were negotiating a deal.
“20 million,” Nyx said.
“Empress,” Vinyl reasoned. “What's the expression? It's not worth the dirt on my hoof.”
“Nyx has always bargained with picky before,” Blackheart said, in a raspy, metallic voice.
“Sure, sure,” Vinyl mocked. “I'm just saying. Upgraded weapons and my intel, and poof. The long Tartarus civil war, done. Might be nice to keep back a bit, eh?”
“You know Pinkamena's location,” Nyx said.
“And a whole rebel army,” Vinyl added. “It's got to be worth at least 50.”
“I must attack her immediately,” Nyx growled. “And end this conflict. As you say, it drains us.” Vinyl looked out the carriage window and saw Pinkamena and another mare.
“Right,” Vinyl said. “Do we have a deal?” The carriage stopped, and Blackheart looked behind himself.
“What is it, Blackheart?” Nyx asked.
“The Empress should not be concerned,” Blackheart said. “Accidents ahead. This one will clear it.” Blackheart stepped outside and walked to the accident, where large shopping carts had created a barrier.
“Move!” Blackheart ordered. “Make way for Nyx.” Atop a roof, Pinkamena sat with a group of rebels. The other mare knelt down next to her.
“The Changelings are in place,” the mare said. “We await your order.”
“It is given, dearest Amethyst,” Pinkamena said. Amethyst nodded and ran off.
“Stopping a carriage is nothing,” Cloudchaser said. “Killing an Empress...”
“False Empress!” Pinkamena hissed.
“...requires power,” Cloudchaser continued. “Power you have, Pinkamena, and won't use.” Pinkamena pulled out the amulet that contained Tirek.
“It pains me to do it, Cloudchaser,” Pinkamena said. “I need more time. The usurpers excursion came too soon.” She put away the amulet.
“The rain falls where it may,” Cloudchaser said.
“No matter,” Pinkamena shrugged off. “If Vinyl does what I paid her to do.” Down below, the wreckage was being cleared.
“Now!” Blackheart cried. “Do it!” Nyx and Vinyl sat alone in the carriage. A loud cry was heard. Nyx turned to see a mass of Changelings charge. The carriage escorts got ready to fight. Blackheart and Spitfire turned to see. Spitfire walked into battle. A Changeling charged at her and attacked. Spitfire avoided the attack and crushed the Changeling. A mare with two powerful revolvers stuck the barrel of one into a Changeling's face and pulled the trigger. The Changeling's face was blown off. Three Changelings charged at Blackheart. He extended three insectoid legs and stabbed the attackers repeatedly, injecting them with poison. The Changelings fell on the ground and writhed in agony. Nyx watched all this unfold. She cursed in her language.
“You said a mouthful,” Vinyl said, quietly pulling out a knife. She lunged at Nyx, but the attack was blocked. Vinyl lunged again, and was shoved back. Nyx grabbed her and punched her in the face three times. She then drove her helmet into Vinyl's head, cracking her skull. Nyx threw her into the wall, and deflected a laser blast from Vinyl's mechanical eye. Nyx drove her hoof into Vinyl's living eye, temporarily blinding her. Nyx threw Vinyl into the window and pulled her out. She grabbed her and blasted through the door. She attacked Vinyl again, but Vinyl pushed her away.
“You are a traitor, Vinyl,” Nyx growled. “Your promise of aid was but wind and air.”
“You promised 50 million,” Vinyl said. “Pinkamena's given me twice as much to take you out.” Nyx and Vinyl brawled on the streets. Nyx drove a blade into Vinyl's neck, then twisted the blade, cracking Vinyl's upper vertebrae. Nyx pulled out the blade and drove her knee into Vinyl's face, putting Vinyl down.
“You're not worth the dirt on my hoof,” Nyx said. She pulled out her knife and stabbed it into Vinyl's back. She pulled up Vinyl's head and prepared to slit her throat. Before she could, a blast knocked her back. Amethyst jumped off the carriage and landed in front of Nyx.
“You are the Canterlotian, Amethyst,” Nyx said.
“I'm glad you remember me, Nyx,” Amethyst said. She threw another blast at Nyx, but Nyx caught it.
“I could never forget those who freed Pinkamena,” she hissed.
“We vowed to create a free Canterlot,” Amethyst said, extending her blades. “Something you would never do.” Nyx attacked Amethyst, who blocked the attack.
“A united Tartarus stands strong against its enemies,” Nyx said.
“It will never be united under your rule,” Amethyst retorted. She jumped back.
“Your rebellion is old and defenseless,” Nyx growled. She and Amethyst engaged in battle. Amethyst proved to be a powerful opponent, but she was no match for the Empress of Tartarus. Nyx broke Amethyst's neck and head, the same as with Vinyl. Amethyst didn't get back up.
“You are a fool to trust Pinkamena,” Nyx said. Two Changelings approached Nyx, and were taken down. Nyx looked to the roof where Pinkamena was.
“She tests me for the last time,” she growled. Nyx teleported up to the roof. “Pinkamena,” she said.
“Vinyl was to kill you, miserable snake!” Pinkamena cried. She ordered two Changelings to attack. Nyx killed them both with ease. Pinkamena charged at Nyx. Nyx avoided Pinkamena's attacks, then knocked her off the roof. Nyx noticed Cloudchaser.
“Another Canterlotian,” she hissed. “The supposed half-god.” Cloudchaser summoned a sphere of water around Nyx.
“I am a daughter of a king,” Cloudchaser said. “I was merely declared a god by befuddled communists.” Nyx broke free of the water.
“Surly Pinkamena suspects your true intentions, daughter of a king,” Nyx growled. She charged at Cloudchaser, but she teleported away. Cloudchaser appeared behind Nyx and kicked her off the roof. Nyx landed on the hard dirt. She got up as Cloudchaser teleported in front of her.
“My 'intentions' are to teach you the difference between arrogance and godhood,” Cloudchaser said. She and Nyx fought. Cloudchaser fought viciously, but with the grace of a Canterlotian fighter. Nyx used pure brute force. She won quickly.
“That should silence you,” Nyx grumbled. The gunslinger mare walked up to Nyx, who nodded. The mare walked over to the fallen Cloudchaser.
“You won't touch her again,” the mare growled. She kicked Cloudchaser in the face, and put a hoof to her neck. She pointed one of her revolvers at Cloudchasers head. A knife flew through the air and struck the mare in the wrist, making her drop her gun.
“But I will,” Pinkamena said. She walked up to Nyx as Cloudchaser teleported away.
“As the heir to my mother, Nightmare Moon, I, Pinkamena, contemn of Tartarus, order your execution!” Nyx wasted no time in attacking Pinkamena. She stabbed her knife into Pinkamena's neck and twisted it, then yanked it out and bashed her knee into Pinkamena's head. With a broken neck and skull, Pinkamena fell to the ground.
“There will be an execution this day,” Nyx said. “You will atone for your decent, Pinkamena. Your blood will make right.” A group of Nyx's soldiers surrounded Pinkamena. Nyx uttered a phrase and fired death magic at Pinkamena. Pinkamena pulled out the amulet and used it against Nyx. The magic struck Nyx, but Pinkamena couldn't withhold the amulet's power, and she passed out. Cloudchaser teleported in, grabbed Pinkamena, and teleported out. Blackheart helped Nyx up.
“What did my Empress see?” Blackheart asked.
“A mere cub, grown to a jaguar,” Nyx said. She walked off, the attack evaded.
~~~
Anthem was looking through his viewfinder at the Pegasi temple.
“OK,” he said. “Once we hit the drop, we split up. Little Mac and I will come in from the east, you two from the west.”
“Rendezvous here, at the north entrance,” Little Mac said.
“Then what?” Snowshine asked. “A simple pick up and go?”
“We bag her if she resists,” Anthem said.
“Resistance might be more possible than you think,” Raindrop said.
“Don't sweat it,” Anthem assured. “It comes to that, Rainbow Dash won't know what hit her.”
At the Pegasi temple, two ninjas stepped up to their master's throne and bowed.
“The forward defenses stand down as you commanded, Grand Mare,” one ninja said.
“It is confirmed,” the other said. “Four intruders.” Rainbow Dash smiled.
“It is time to entertain our guests,” she said, coldy.
Outside of the temple, Anthem, Little Mac, Snowshine, and Raindrop snuck around, trying to get to the throne room. They stopped at a doorway.
“All right,” Anthem said to Raindrop. “I've got point.” “You and Snowshine, that way. Move!” Snowshine and Raindrop moved to their position and prepared to breach the door.
“Ready?” Little Mac asked. Anthem nodded. The door suddenly opened, and the infiltration group hid in the shadows. Rainbow Dash and four ninjas stepped outside. Snowshine waited, anxious to attack. Rainbow Dash and her followers knelt in front of a statue and hung their heads to pray to their first Grand Mare. Snowshine motioned to Anthem, ready to strike.
“Not yet,” Anthem mouthed. Snowshine ignored Anthem and crept towards Rainbow Dash.
“Damn it, Snowshine,” Anthem whispered. She got up to stop Snowshine.
“You,” Snowshine said. “I need to...” she was cut off by Anthem.
“You are not welcome here,” Rainbow Dash muttered, not moving. “State your intentions.” Anthem stepped forward.
“Grand Mare,” she said. “We need you to come with us. My name is Sergeant...” Many Pegasi ninjas drew their swords and surrounded the group. Rainbow Dash opened her eyes and stood up.
“You demand my cooperation,” she said. “Yet you're cut off. Surrounded. What will you do?”
“My father always spoke highly of you, Rainbow Dash,” Anthem said. “He wants to talk.”
“Talking,” Rainbow Dash sighed. “Always his first choice.”
“OK,” Snowshine said. “Let's try pummeling. Now!” The group began to attack.
“Wait!” Anthem cried. He was immediately attacked by Rainbow Dash. She was thrown back, then deflected an ice attack.
“Anthem Armor,” Rainbow Dash said. “You lead this group, but they do not follow. What would your mother do?”
“Stop wasting time and take you down,” Anthem replied. She and Rainbow Dash began to fight. Rainbow Dash was more skilled in combat than Anthem, and she quickly took him down. She thrust her hoof into Anthem's gut and crushed his liver. She then tore her hoof out, formed a giant ice spear, and drove it into Anthem's eye. Anthem fell to the ground and didn't get up.
“You are more like your mother than you think,” Rainbow Dash said. Snowshine ran up behind Rainbow Dash and attacked. Rainbow Dash blocked each attack, then submerged herself in ice. Snowshine attacked, but the ice crumbled, leaving nothing there. Confused, Snowshine didn't see Rainbow Dash appear behind her, and she was knocked to the ground.
“Your power should have revealed my intention, Snowshine,” Rainbow Dash said. “No doubt Snowdrop taught you how to use them.”
“My mother taught me a lot, Grand Mare,” Snowshine said.
“Let us see,” Rainbow Dash hissed. Snowshine fought fast and hard, but her arrogance eventually cost her the match. Rainbow Dash performed the same maneuver on Snowshine as she had on Anthem, and Snowshine fell to the ground.
“You are not your mother,” Rainbow Dash said. “Not yet.” Little Mac came up behind Rainbow Dash, but was flipped over. Little Mac landed on his hooves in front of Rainbow Dash.
“Damn it,” he mumbled.
“You announced your arrival, Little Macintosh,” Rainbow Dash pointed out.
“Specialist Macintosh,” Little Mac growled.
“Yes,” Rainbow Dash said. “Military decorum is important to your family.” Little Mac quickly threw punches at Rainbow Dash, knocking her back.
“If you know my father, you know me,” Little Mac said. “Thought you and he were friends.”
“Our history shares a dark chapter,” Rainbow Dash said. Little Mac and Rainbow Dash matched each others fighting capabilities. Little Mac used her wrist mounted rifles to keep Rainbow Dash at bay, but Rainbow Dash evaded them and was able to get in close. She took down Little Mac quickly.
“Do not judge yourself harshly, Specialist Macintosh,” Rainbow Dash advised. Little Mac quickly got up and took Rainbow Dash by surprise. After a few swift kicks, Rainbow Dash fell to her knees. Ninjas attacked from all directions, protecting their master. Snowshine, Anthem, Little Mac, and Raindrop fended them off as best they could. Raindrop turned to Rainbow Dash. She attacked, but Rainbow Dash quickly got up and knocked her back.
“Faking a wound,” Raindrop said. “Bravo.” She summoned her bow and arrow.
“Raindrop,” Rainbow Dash said. “You should rally your companions rather than mark your superiors.”
“I'll remember that,” Raindrop said. “In case I ever meet one.” She and Rainbow Dash started to fight. Raindrop and Rainbow Dash fought hard, but Rainbow Dash ultimately won. Raindrop fell to the ground.
“The bow and arrow do not suit you,” Rainbow Dash said. Two ninjas bound Raindrop and put her down with the others in her group.
“Any ideas?” Snowshine asked.
“Rainbow Dash,” Anthem pleaded. “Let's talk.”
“That opportunity has passed,” Rainbow Dash rejected.
“Got a new plan, Armor?” Raindrop asked.
“You could have followed the old one, Raindrop,” Little Mac said.
“You're gonna catch hell if you kill us,” Anthem said. Rainbow Dash stepped up to the group.
“Yes,” she said. “I suppose so.” She nodded her head to a ninja, who quickly cut the group free. Anthem was dumbfounded.
“That worked?” she asked. She heard a whistle. She looked to see Shining Armor at the temple doors. He waved. The group stood up.
“This was all a...” Little Mac wondered.
“A training exercise,” Rainbow Dash finished.
“Damn,” Anthem grumbled. “I should have seen it.”
“You and your friends show much promise, Anthem Armor,” Rainbow Dash said. “But until you function as one, you will fall short.”
Back at the plane, the group waited for debriefing. Anthem stormed through the hall, pushing Raindrop out of the way. She gave Anthem a glare.
“So other than that, you enjoyed your visit?” Shining Armor assumed.
“The Pegasi shredded us,” Anthem said.
“You maybe,” Raindrop said.
“I see plenty of frozen hoof prints on your ass too,” Little Mac retorted.
“Come on now,” Shining Armor said. “You're all winners in my book.” He got a call on his com. “New orders,” he said. “From General Cadence.” He opened up the CPU and looked over the orders. “Priority one,” he listed. “Tartarus folk, here in Equestria,”
“An invasion?” Snowshine asked.
“Couldn't be,” Little Mac said.
“You're not afraid, are you, Mr. Armor?” Raindrop asked.
“Tartarus folk, I can handle,” Shining Armor said. The plane landed at the base, and Snowdrop was waiting for the group. Shining Armor and his group stepped out.
“So when did they show up?” he asked.
“The portal opened by the docks a few hours ago,” Snowdrop said. “Nearly five thousand in all. Refugees from the Tartarus civil war.
“Must be bad if they risk coming to Equestria,” Raindrop said.
“After you,” Snowdrop offered. The group moved on, but Snowdrop stopped Snowshine.
“Do not dwell on your defeat with the Pegasi, my daughter,” she said telepathically. Snowshine sighed.
“It's pretty hard not to,” she telepathically said back. She and her mother walked into the base. Cadence turned.
“Thanks, Snowdrop,” she said. “Could you and Mr. Armor join us?” Shining and Anthem Armor walked over. “Sergeant Armor,” Cadence said. “You and your group as you were.” Anthem walked away.
“This is Lemon Drop,” Celestia said. “She seeks a stand for his people in Equestria.”
“Our village was the epicenter of a fierce battle,” Lemon Drop said. “We barely escaped with our lives.”
“Such is war,” Shining Armor said. “I mean, no offense, but Tartarus folk kind of live for that, right?”
“This was different,” Lemon Drop said. “The rebels, Pinkamena, had a weapon unlike anything. Entire battalions, to waste. It was not honorable. Not kombat.”
“Tell me more about the weapon,” Celestia requested.
“A medallion,” Lemon Drop said. “Gold, with a central jewel. Pinkamena wields its crimson energy without precision.”
“Well, that's good then,” Anthem said.
“Not now, Sergeant Armor,” Cadence said.
“It is enough that she possesses it,” Lemon Drop said. “It turns the tide in her favor. The Empress grows desperate. And those caught in the middle, pay the price.”
“If this medallion is what I suspect it to be, we may all pay a price,” Celestia said.
“Are we talking about Tirek's amulet?” Raindrop asked.
“Can't be,” Cadence said. “The base, the vault, your wardens. SF, Unicorns, no way anypony could get past all that.”
“I must be certain,” Celestia said. She left the room.
“Well,” Shining Armor said. “This is cozy.” Cadence frowned at him.
“You remind me of an Equestrian who crossed over with us,” Lemon Drop said. “He also found humor in everything.”
“Handsome guy, right?” Shining Armor assumed.
“He was an Equestrian,” Lemon Drop said. “One of his eyes glowed red.” Shining Armor suddenly went dead serious.
“What does she mean?” Raindrop asked. Anthem shrugged.
“Snowdrop, continue with Lemon Drop,” Cadence ordered. “I'm going to the refugee camp.” She walked off and muttered. “I've got to find him before he finds a way out.”
“I'll come with,” Shining Armor said.
“Go and get a camp security update from the Colonel,” Cadence said.
“Why?” Shining Armor asked.
“Because then you won't be here,” Cadence grumbled. Anthem stepped up, but Shining Armor stopped him. He walked off.
“Are we with you?” Anthem asked.
“No,” Cadence said. “I need to confirm with Nyx that Lemon Drop's story is true. You and your team are going to Tartarus.” She walked off to go to the refugee camp.
Millions of years ago, Tirek, one of the Elder Gods, turned on his fellow deities and invaded Equestria. Celestia and the Elder Gods stopped Tirek, and locked him up in the Everfree Forest. Others followed in Tirek's hoofsteps, like Tartarus's Empress, Nightmare Moon, who was obsessed with conquering Equestria. So Celestia convinced the Elder Gods to enact a Pony Kombat tournament, as a way to even the odds, and give Equestria a chance. For generations, Nightmare Moon followed the Elder Gods' rules. The war moved to the arena, where she sent her toughest fighters to fight Celestia's greatest defenders in Pony Kombat. Two years ago, we beat her. But Nightmare Moon wasn't ready to lose. She violated the rules of Pony Kombat and invaded Equestria. Most of Equestria's defenders, our friends, were killed, turned into evil, undead warriors. Despite the odds, we stopped Nightmare Moon's invasion. As punishment, the Elder Gods destroyed her. We thought the long nightmare was over, but it turns out Tirek was manipulating events. Nightmare Moon's invasion. Her death. All part of Tirek's plan to escape the Everfree Forest and resume his war on the Elder Gods.
