The Great Equestrian War

Chapters

The Start of the End
The Solar Empire
The Lunar Republic
The Everfree Village
The Confusion
The Final Battle

The Start of the End

Chapter 1 - The Start of the End

"Chaos," The large figure said, standing in front of a large concrete throne. "Is a wonderful thing, Lady Diane." He dropped his pose. "The masses rely on a strong leader, but their current ones disagree." He flew closer to Pinkamena, who merely stood there. "So, our plan is to take over this forsaken land, and rule over all. Only then, can we be truly safe." He pulled back a bit. "What say you?"

"A wonderful idea, my Lord." An evil grin grew on her face.

"Just call me Discord, Diane." He flew back to his throne, and sat down. "We've already captured Stalliongrad and Trottingham, the major towns still left free. Your current mission is to secure more free land and defend it from the Empire and Republic."

"Then we wait for the War to grind itself to a bloody end!" Pinkamena looked up, a wild, crazed look in her eye. "Equestria will be ours for the taking!" She turned on her heel. "Consider the mission done, Lord Discord."

"Indeed I shall."

Twilight walked down the hall of the Dauntless, her uniform boots clomping satisfyingly on the marble floor. An odd choice, considering that the Dauntless was an airship. She returned the salutes of crew members as she passed them. She soon reached a large wooden door, and opened it. The room had a wide view of the sky, a grey mass conflicting with the bright daylight on the other side. The room had several scattered chairs that were hardly being used, but it was otherwise very orderly. She entered the room, the crew glancing at her as she approached one in particular.

"Admiral Rarity?"

The woman turned to face Twilight, her purple hair curled up neatly. "Commander Sparkle. Nice to see you." She seemed pleased that her friend was here.

"Likewise." Twilight pulled out a scroll from her bag. "A letter from the Princess."

Rarity's eyes widened. "Are you serious?"

"I am. She said it was important." Rarity opened the scroll, and read aloud. "'Admiral Rarity, the southern front has opened up again. The Air Force is to strike at Sector E22V06. Do not fail the Empire. Princess Celestia.' My word, that is serious." She turned to the control panel, and flicked a switch. "This is Admiral Rarity. We are to head to Sector E22V06, by Princess's orders. Hooves, get your troops ready." She turned back to Twilight. "Well, looks like we'll be picking up a battle."

"Unfortunately."

Rarity pulled a chair close to her. "I wonder..."

"Oh?" Twilight said as Rarity sat down.

"How Spike is doing." She sighed. "I'm surprised he didn't join with you."

Twilight bit back memories. "He left me to myself. He didn't want to fight."

"Understandable," Rarity solemnly replied. "I don't want to fight either."

"Well, we kind of have to." Twilight regained her composition. "It can only end one way."

"Hey, AJ!" Rainbow Dash called from high up a tree. "We've got orders from the Princess."

"Huh..." Applejack said as Dash dropped down near her. "Haven't got any since tha northern front campaign." She stood up from her chair.

"Yeah, I mean, it's been about 2 years since then." She hovered next to Applejack. "It's been kinda nice, not worrying about who to side for."

"Ah, yes, ya'll have loyalty issues."

"It was easier to find loyalty before the War. But the Wonderbolts, except for me and Scoots are with the Solar Empire, as are Rarity and Twilight. Fluttershy and Pinkie went their own ways, haven't heard from them since."

"So why'ja join the Republic?"

"I guess it was the last place left. I quite enjoy being able to fly around freely-" She lifted herself higher in the air. "-but I didn't know then that the War would happen."

"Ah see. Well, I joined the 'public because I could." She turned her face away from Dash's view. "And ah guess maybe because of you."

Dash laughed. "Couldn't have me showing off without some competition, eh?"

Applejack sighed. "Yeah." She diverted the topic. "So, what are we doin' on this here order?"

Dash dropped lower. "Well, the mission is to return to the north, but our current order is to meet up with the Republic Army at Hoofington."

"Why are we goin' there?"

"She's delivering the orders in more detail there." Dash started moving off. "And we're her highest ranked officers. We have to go."

Applejack started tailing Dash "Well, it is an order, RD."

"Now, Angel, you have to eat up." Fluttershy pushed the carrot to the angry-looking rabbit. "Don't give me that look. Eat the carrot, and eat it slowly."

A knock on the door startled Fluttershy. "Hang on, Angel." She stood up and slowly approached the door, opening it slightly.

"Hey Fluttershy." A large figure stood in front of the door.

"Oh, um... Hello, McIntosh." Fluttershy opened the door wider. "Can I help you?"

"Ah've got a letter from Rarity." He handed the letter to her. "For you, obviously."

"Thank you." She opened the envelope, and pulled out a fancy piece of paper, edged with Solarium leaf. "S-should I read it aloud?"

"If ya want. Ah have time."

Fluttershy weakly cleared her throat. "Dear Fluttershy. Greetings from myself. I miss you and the others. This war is driving me rather crazy. Anyway, how are you? And Sweetie. Wish I could say high. Love, Rarity, As Rarity" Fluttershy felt a well of sadness rising. She looked up to McIntosh, eyes bleary with tears.

"See? She hasn't completely forgotten you." He took a step closer as she fell on him, audibly sobbing. "Ah bet the others still think of you."

* * *

Spike lay on his bed, looking at the well-aged owl on the perch in his bedside. "Hey, Owlowiscious?"

"Who?"

"D'ya think Twilight misses us?"

"Who."

Spike chuckled. "I still can't get used to you speaking like that." He sat up. "But still, I haven't seen Twilight in about 3 years. I think she-" A knock on the door stopped his train of thoughts. "Hang on a sec!"

Spike opened the door to reveal McIntosh. "Hi, Big Mac!"

"Hey Spike." He held out a letter. "From Twilight."

Spike's jaw dropped. "Twilight sent a letter? To ME?!"

"Eeyup."

Spike snatched the letter. "Thanks! Anything else?"

"Just some returns. That's all." McIntosh walked off, Spike closing the door behind him. It sucked, being a living mail delivery system. He blew the letters off to their intended targets, and sat down to read his own.

To Spike.

How are things without me? I honestly hope they're good. I have learned how to send letters like you, so we can talk more often. Job is going fine. Miss you greatly. Love, Twilight Sparkle.

Spike sighed. He pulled out his own piece of parchment, and a quill, and started his reply.

Dear Twilight Sparkle.

Spike here. Things are great, glad I'm not in the War. Great to hear you're still learning spells. That makes it, what, 106 spells so far? Good to hear you are enjoying yourself enough. How is Rarity? Miss you and the others too. Maybe we can visi-

A letter flew in through the window, materialising itself on his current letter. It had an eight-pointed star marked on it, and some stains of some brown liquid. Spike opened it, and his eyes widened.

To the Everfree Village.

You're next.

Pinkamena stood at the edge of the small town of Hoofswell, coat blowing in the breeze. She adjusted her glove, as a dark mechanical figure lumbered next to her.

"Lady Diane, we await your command."

"The town looks lively." She looked at the figures, toiling away like nothing important was happening. "They've had the letter for a month now, and they haven't evacuated." She grinned maniacally, pulling out her personal Plasma Cannon out of thin air with a scream of reality tearing it out.

"This should be fun." Pinkie leapt into the air, the dark figures slowly making their way to the town.

* * *

"Ah, what a wonderful day." The Hoofswell mayor said as he stretched his arms. "The sun is shining, the harvest is excellent, nothing could go wro-"

"I beg to differ."

The mayor spun around and saw a pink-haired woman standing there, a weapon slung over her shoulder. "Who the heck are you?"

"I guess you didn't read my second warning letter." She shifted her gun to a more comfortable position. "I'm Lady Diane of Chaos. Nice to meet you."

"Uh... Hi? How did you get here?"

"I jumped. I'm here to take over this city, by fo-"

"How the heck did you jump here?!"

Pinkamena looked unimpressed. "I'm about to take over Hoofswell, and all you can think about is how I leapt to the balcony?" She aimed her gun at the Mayor. "I can see why no one's evacuated."

"Is that an insult?"

"Quite." She pulled the trigger, and a superhot bolt of energy knocked the mayor off the balcony. She turned to see the masses crowding around him, and looking up. She allowed herself a grin before continuing.

"Citizens of Hoofswell! I come here in the name of the Chaos Kingdom to seize control of this town. If any resistance is met, we will deal with it. Don't put up a fight and you may live." She looked to the horizon. "Pray to whichever Princess you want."

The crowd scattered in a chaotic pattern. Most were trying to get indoors. But they were too late. The Chaos Army arrived in time. People were pulled out of some houses; some houses were merely broken into. Avians were grounded by the flying ones. Unicorns couldn't break down the defences of the grounded ones. Chaos and pointless murder filled the streets, carrying a sick-smelling aroma into the air. Pinkamena breathed in hard.

"Sometimes," She said calmly, as screams filled her ears. "It's good to be Chaos."

To Be Continued.

The Solar Empire

The Great Equestrian War

Part 2 - The Solar Empire.

Pinkamena observed the remnants of the blighted town. Scorch marks and splatters of red marked the previously clean streets, building that were previously broken were rebuilding as they tore themselves and a chunk of the ground into the air. All around, the Chaos Army was rallying survivors, and mopping up the dead. An unusually large Flying One landed next to her, a gust of wind blowing her coat a bit.

"Lady Diane. The town has been secured."

"Excellent." She grinned. "Lord Discord will be pleased."

The Flying One glanced away nervously. "Actually, m'lady, Discord wishes to speak to you privately."

She dropped her smile, and looked at the Flying One. "Did he say why?"

"He did not." It randomly twitched its wing.

"Well then." She turned to the street on her left, away from the construct. "I guess I should go. Keep this town secure, and bring the survivors to the Chamber."

"Yes m'lady." The Flying One flew off, leaving her standing there. She was quickly enveloped in a glowing pink energy, the same scream of metal-against-reality, and then it faded off into the air.

* * *

"I have made a grave error, Pinkamena." Discord sat on his throne, looking slightly nervous.

"What sort of error, m'lord?"

"The error is," He stood up. "Is that Hoofswell wasn't actually neutral."

Pinkamena's jaw dropped. "Since when?!"

"Oh, for a few months. I had outdated faction updates." He pulled out a wad of paper from nowhere. "Rest assured, they have been updated immediately after my discovery."

She sighed. "So, what is the next course of action?"

"Well, the Solar Empire will likely attack the Chaos Army on sight, but you have connections with some of the Empire." He looked to the window. "You can pass through freely, I hope, and reach the newest and last neutral town." He handed her a map. "Some small village near the Everfree Forest."

Pinkamena grinned. "Ah yes, the Everfree Village. I sent a letter there a week ago. Should we send the second warning?"

"Soon. You won't be striking very soon, so I shall send it when the time is right." He flew closer. "One... interesting note, though."

"Oh?"

"There's an Element user there. Kindness, I believe."

Pinkamena's heart skipped a beat. Fluttershy is there?

"What's the matter, Pinkamena Pie?"

"N-nothing, m'lord." She turned away. "I should get going." She was surrounded by the same energy and noise, and disappeared from the room.

Discord sat back down and grinned.

"This will liven things up..."

"Commander Twilight?" A young soldier asked.

"Yes?" She looked up from her bunk, in the process of tying her boots.

"If you don't mind me asking, but who is going to take leadership of the Magika Army while you're away?"

"I'm not going for that long, private." She finished tying her laces. "I'll be ready to redeploy in an instant, if the Princess wishes."

"Thank you, ma'am." The private snapped off a salute, and dashed off somewhere. She put her gloves on, her mind suddenly snapping to thoughts of long before the War. When she and the others lived a relatively quiet life. She pushed those thoughts out of her mind when Rarity approached her cabin.

"Greetings, Commander." She closed the door behind her. "We'll be at Canterlot Hangar in a moment."

"Thank you, Admiral."

Rarity looked out the small cabin window. "Though I have to inquire, could you not just teleport there?"

Twilight followed Rarity's gaze. "It's rude to teleport in the presence of the Princess-"

"I'm sure she wouldn't mind. She isn't a tyrant."

"And it would take most of my energy to teleport from the front. Which reminds me..."

Rarity tilted her head quizzingly.

"Why did she send us to the front, only to pull us back to Canterlot?"

"Change of plans, maybe." Rarity turned her sight to Twilight. "You seem nervous."

"I'm going to be in the presence of the Princess, Rarity, and the rest of the Command. What if I make a fool out of myself?"

Rarity gripped her by the shoulders and pulled her face closer. Twilight's mind raced, resulting in a blush.

"Do not freak out over this. I know you to be quite acceptable." She pulled back. "You will do fine, dear." She walked out of the room, and Twilight slumped. Oh Celestia, she was close. She looked to the window, and saw the spire of Canterlot Tower. She touched her horn. I think our horns touched. Is that weird? She shook herself out of those thoughts. No, must concentrate. Meeting the Princess in an hour. Keep cool, Twilight. She stood up and left the cabin, making her way to the hangar.

Save Rarity until later.

* * *

"I have gathered you all here for an important reason." Celestia stood far taller than anyone else in the room, making a few officers look nervously around. Twilight, having been the Princess' personal student, was used to being around such a large being.

"Which is?" She inquired.

"An excellent question, Twilight." She pulled out a map. "There is a third faction in the War."

Gasps of shock overtook the room. "A... third?"

"Indeed. They have taken over Hoofington, and according to aerial surveillance, has had its entire geology drastically altered. Reports indicate that sections of the ground have started levitating, and unusual weather patterns have occurred."

"Excuse me, your majesty," Rarity butted in. "But, doesn't that remind anyone of anything?"

"Oh yeah!" Twilight responded. "About 8 years ago, we locked Discord in stone. Seeing Ponyville under his control, it also had floating buildings and unusual weather patterns. Where was Hoofswell attacked from?"

"I have the reports here, ma'am." Another officer called out. "The invading force hit moments after one person showed up. An eyewitness who managed to escape moments before the invasion claimed that the ringleader was a woman with straight, pink hair."

Wait a minute.

"The same person also claimed that large black things tore the city to shreds."

"Hang on," The Princess interrupted. "Discord was locked in stone, and the Elements of Harmony had their full power restored. How could this woman and Discord be linked-" Celestia stopped. A silence fell. "Twilight, with me. Admiral Rarity, prepare to head to the front. Everyone else, return to your appropriate stations"

"Excuse me, Princess," Twilight said as Celestia stormed off. "But, where are we going?"

"We're going to see Discord."

* * *

The two approached the stone path around the labyrinth, looking at all the statues. "Just curious, are any of these statues petrified people?"

"Of course not, Twilight. They're too large."

Twilight nodded. They approached a blank pillar base, its smooth surface reflecting the sun onto the next statue. "This is where Discord was?"

"Indeed." Celestia studied the base intensely. "He must have broken free somehow. But the Elements are at full power, how could-"

"Doesn't make sense, I know." A voice rang out from everywhere. A green energy started coiling itself atop the pillar, taking the form of the lord of Chaos himself. "But if you know what happened, then you'll understand."

"Discord..." Celestia gritted her teeth. "Tell me how you escaped! NOW!"

Discord grinned. "Well, seeing as though I have nothing else to do, I'll tell you. 5 years ago, as you well remember, you and your sister had an argument, and split the country in two."

"That explains nothing."

"It explains everything. Now, because of that split, the Element users had to split forces. This broke their links, or at least thinned them down enough for me to be freeable."

"But even so," Twilight pointed out, "You need an act of Disharmony to be free."

"Indeed, Twilight." Celestia further added. "And it has to be next to you to work. You couldn't have escaped, as I had banned all access to the garden."

"Ah, but that's where you failed in your calculations. Yes, a small act is enough to free me provided it is within range, but Chaos on such a large scale, as was caused by the War, can free me, even at that range!" He broke into laughter. "It cracks me up just thinking about how you could skip that tiny detail!"

"Then why did you attack Hoofswell? That is an act of war, Discord!"

"At the time, I thought that Hoofswell was neutral. That's all." He glided closer to Celestia. "An intel error, that's all."

"Discord!" Twilight yelled, to get his attention. "Answer me some questions."

"Fire away, Commander Sparkle." Discord sat on the pillar relaxingly. "It's all I can do."

"Firstly, why are you slaughtering innocent townsfolk?"

"I try to avoid that, but it's the town's fault for not paying attention. Next?"

"Secondly, who did all that?"

"Ah, that's a good question. Technically, the Chaos Army did the actual damage, but the attack was directed by me and Lady Diane."

"Thirdly, who is Lady Diane?"

"A friend."

"That's it?"

"Not quite. By 'friend', I mean one of your old friends. Take a guess."

Twilight stopped to think. Can't be Rarity. Applejack and Rainbow are Republic. Fluttershy is too kind. So it must be...

"Pinkie."

"Ding ding!" Discord leapt up. "She wins ten points! Yes, it's your friend Pinkamena; she was in a horrible state after the breakup. So I provided her the best place to go, and where her... unusual... talents are quite useful."

"Ok, final question. Where is she going to strike last?"

"I'll tell you that later, but for now, I can tell you that she is traversing the Plains of Mareston, on her way to the next target." He swooped low, almost right in Twilight's face.

"Unless someone gets in her way."

Pinkamena stopped in a ruined village, in the middle of the great plains that surrounded her. Even with Chaos on her mind, she can take a moment to marvel at the scenery. The grass was astonishingly green, despite the fact that the area around her was a warzone years ago. Rays of light poked out of the clouds, their golden beams illuminating patches of ground far away. It was amazing. Perhaps I should ask Lord Discord to keep this section free...

Suddenly, something dropped out of the clouds, in the distance. Pinkie tore a pair of binoculars from the aether, and looked at it closely. It was a large wooden ship, somehow keeping aloft in the sky. It took her a moment to realise that the object was, in fact, an airship. What are they doing here? Looking for me?

The airship moved closer, casting a huge oval of darkness onto the surrounding land. It turned slightly, and powered its way past her. Only then, did she realise that this airship was from the Empire. Like she caught its attention, it slowed down to a halt, revealing the name Dauntless. She took a step back, startled.

* * *

"Admiral, we've detected someone within the ruins."

Rarity flicked her hair back. "Republic or Empire?"

"Uniform suggests neither, but we have a visual." He handed her the sheet of paper. "I believe it matches with the special target. Shall we send Captain Hooves' squadron out?"

She examined the image on the sheet. It was definitely familiar. She pulled out an image of Pinkie from her jacket, and compared. Undoubtedly similar. "Seekers 15-30, lock onto target on the ground. Fire on my command."

* * *

Pinkamena stared at the Dauntless. It merely hovered there, as if it was examining her. She took another step back, to which the entire ship's side sparkled for an instant. She started running through the ruins, a desperate attempt to escape the possible danger.

Then the missiles hit.

The fire-spewing explosives rained down on the ruins, reducing the remaining segments to rubble. Through the maelstrom of fire left by the missiles, one flew on a dead-on course in her direction. Her combat reflexes kicked in, and she jumped up as the missile moved beneath her, and she slashed down with an aether-screaming blade, knocking the halves away. One detonated next to her, spattering her with mud and soil, but the rocket end flew somewhere and crashed heavily. She glared at the Dauntless, which remained still. She started leaping through the ruins, changing into a full-on sprint when she hit the plains.

* * *

"Did we hit her?"

Rarity looked through the binoculars at the ruined ruins. "If we did, I would bet you she is still fine."

The officer looked dumbfounded. "But we hit her with 15 Seekers! No one can survive that!"

"But this is an Element user we are talking about." She looked back. "I could survive that, so could a Seraph, and a Draconequus." She turned back to her observation of the ruins. "There's no doubt she has."

"Could we fire again?"

"We could, but she would expect that." She sighed. "I know who we are attacking. She is capable of perceiving things before any normal person can react."

"This means we're at a disadvantage."

"But not enough to lose automatically." She returned her view, seeing the coat-clad girl run from the burning wreckage, towards them. "I know what she wants."

* * *

She leapt into the air, keeping her momentum going. Mechanical objects sprung from her back, screaming to reality, and formed themselves around her, metal smashing into other metal, pieces grinding together, clicks of finer-detailed workings whirred, and engines fired up. With a single click, the jet sprung into life, roaring straight to the Dauntless. The side of the airship sparkled, and more missiles closed in. Pinkamena clicked on the controls, and a storm of plasma bolts roared into the oncoming storm, blowing up a path for her to fly through. In the rear camera, she saw the remaining missiles turning to her. She gunned the jets, aiming above the Dauntless' top. She flicked a large switch, and the jet started breaking apart, each broken part dissolving into pink energy. She continued going faster, until the cockpit broke around her, just as she clipped the Dauntless. She grinded along the wooden deck, the missiles chasing after the last part of the jet, scattering about and crashing into each other when it dissolved.

Pinkamena stood up, as armoured troopers sprinted from a stairwell straight to her. She aethered the same blade, a long cook's knife sharpened extremely finely, and slashed at the closest, sending him sprawling over the edge in a trail of red. She dodged the swing of the next one, and kicked him into the one behind him, and ran up and jabbed the blade down. She turned to the stairwell.

The Bridge must be here. She leaped down the stairs, and sliced the guard at the bottom. She saw the large wooden door of the bridge, and aethered Firecracker. With a sound like fireworks, she pulled the trigger and the missile detonated, tearing the door open. The crew inside scattered, except for this one woman.

"I have been expecting you."

Pinkamena disregarded Firecracker, which disintegrated, and held out her blade. "Oh, you have, huh?"

The woman turned, revealing a familiar face. "Of course, Pinkie."

"I'm not Pinkie."

Rarity chuckled. "Oh, of course you are not, 'Lady Diane'. But you will always be Pinkie, regardless of what crap Discord throws at you."

Pinkamena charged at her, attacking with a wide swing, only to be blocked by a sudden blade.

"Are you declaring a challenge, Pinkie?"

"Kinda, yeah."

"Fair terms of combat?"

"Alright." Pinkamena pulled her blade away, and took another swing, only to be blocked again.

"Brute force won't break through skill anyday. Just watch." Rarity flicked the long blade out of the way and thrust at Pinkamena. She leapt away from the strike, Cakecutter grinding on the ground.

"You're good, Rarity. Too good."

"Well, I shall take that as a compli-" Rarity took another jab, Pinkamena narrowly dodged it.

"Not fair!"

"You got distracted." Rarity took a precise strike, but was blocked by Pinkamena's blade. "Only fair."

Pinkamena withdrew, and charged Rarity straight on. Rarity dodged the thrust, but she turned her blade around and swung back, Rarity barely blocking. Rarity flicked Cakecutter out of the way, and swung low, Pinkamena jumping and slashing. The slash knocked Rarity's hat off and in half, but she was unable to defend against her counterattack. Rarity shoved Pinkamena to one of the windows, and swung down again, only to be blocked again. This time, no one was willing to move, Rarity pushing Pinkamena against the window. Pinkamena looked aside, and saw a gun being raised. She yelped as a bolt of plasma just missed her head and hit the glass.

Which started cracking.

Rarity and Pinkamena looked at each other as the glass broke instantly under the pressure. Pinkamena fell through the open frame, screaming. Rarity almost fell through as well, but was caught by a magic grip. She looked down at the glass raining down, and the screaming girl falling to her death. She was yanked up, and spun around once the grip was dropped. She saw the officer from before, and Twilight, standing there. Rarity sheathed her crystal sword.

"Admir-" The officer started, but was cut off.

"Rarity!" Twilight ran up and wrapped her arms around her. "I thought you were going to die there!"

"Unlikely." She wrapped her arms around her. "Just Pinkie."

Twilight pulled back. "You fought Pinkie?"

Rarity looked to the open window. "Indeed." She turned back, and felt a pain in her arm.

"Celestia, Admiral, you're bleeding!" The officer pointed out.

Rarity looked to her arm. It was, in fact, bleeding. "How did-"

"Go to medical bay." Twilight pointed out.

Rarity grinned. "It's just a cut. I'll live."

Twilight looked down. "Actually, it's about seven."

"Wha-" Rarity looked down her form, several deep cuts along her limbs and torso. Suddenly, she felt light-headed, and fell to her knees.

"She's... good..." Rarity collapsed, her world turning dark.

Pinkamena crashed next to the road cutting through the plains. She took her glider off, and observed the damage. A wing was bent out of shape, and one of the jets had broken. She dropped it, and it started disintegrating. She took of her coat, and noticed the red marks on it. Then her arm felt in pain. She gripped the pain, feeling wet over it. She pulled her hand to her sight, and saw it was stained in red. She looked to her arm, and saw that it was badly cut. The same pain shot through her side several times, and then down her legs. "Oh my..."

She pulled some bandages out of her coat pocket, and wrapped it around her wounds. As she relaxed, her hand clinked against something metal. She returned her arm to it, and gripped it. She pulled it up to look at. A metal cylinder with a glowing field within it. And inside the field, was a blue crystal, shaped like the symbol on her shoulder. She looked at its shape for some time, turning the canister around carefully. She caught a name etched on its side. Laughter.

She continued looking at it, remembering why she had it. It was given to her before the Faction Split, in a stasis canister with a magic so powerful even Discord couldn't break it. The others had theirs, in similar tubes.

The crystal flashed, a deep, resounding noise emanating from it.

"What the..."

To Be Continued.

The Lunar Republic

The Great Equestrian War

Part 3 - The Lunar Republic.

10 Days Ago

"SOLDIERS OF THE LUNAR REBUBLIC," Luna traditional Canterlot voiced to the mass of people below the balcony. "THE EMPIRE SEEKS TO CLAIM THE NORTHERN FRONT, AND EXPAND THEIR TERRITORY! WE MUST DO THIS BEFORE THEM, SO WE MAY TAKE THAT ADVANGAGE FROM THEM, AND GIVE IT TO US!" She stopped, catching her breath. "YOUR CAPTAINS HAVE THE EXPANDED ORDERS, AND WILL BREAK THEM DOWN AS SUCH. DISMISSED!"

Rainbow Dash checked her ears. "That was pretty loud, Princess."

"OF COU-" She stopped, and readjusted her voice. "Of course. It's so they can hear me from this distance."

"Fair 'nough." Applejack replied.

A unicorn, clad in purple robes, looked up. "When do we get our orders?"

"You will receive your orders in a day, Trixie."

Trixie grunted approvingly and returned to fiddling with her Magika Rifle.

"But for now, the Army is to move to the Northern Front, and set up defences." Luna lifted herself into the air. "Move out, and take care."

10 Days later

"So, Dash." Applejack said as they observed the surrounding terrain. "Lookin' forward to a fight?"

"Not really." Dash slumped on the rock she was resting on.

Applejack nodded. "Neither am I. But we kinda have ta."

Dash continued looking over the sky. "I don't think we have to, y'know, fight at all." She tensed up. "Hey, is that the Dauntless"

"Lemme see." Applejack pulled a pair of binoculars from her backpack. "Ah think it is."

"I'll go raise the alert!" Dash took off in a flash of rainbow. Applejack continued looking at the airship cutting its way through the sky.

Looks damaged. Barely, but it has taken a bit.

Rainbow dashed back to Applejack, kicking up some dust. "Alert's been raised, Air Squadrons 1-6 are ready to deploy."

"And you?"

Dash grinned. "Of course. Why wouldn't I?"

Applejack rolled her eyes. "We shouldn't fire or attack until she does."

"Got it." Rainbow prepared for instant takeoff. Several avians moved to spots near her, and prepared as well. The airship moved even closer, moving faster than something like that should. Suddenly, a cloud of something spilled from the back of it, which moved towards the Republic encampment.

"They're deploying Air Squadrons!" Applejack yelled, looking through binoculars. "Deploy the rest of the Air Force!"

A lone avian flew back to the main encampment, and Dash tensed her legs up. A huge group of avians flew nearby, all in Republic uniform.

"When I say go..."

The avians at the Dauntless seemed to be moving closer. As soon as a distinct shape of an avian wing came to view, Dash took off.

"GO!"

The huge group of avians roared up, leaving behind them trails of their hair colour. Dash was way ahead of the pack, and pulled out her gun. A single avian in front of her angled himself to her, only to be blasted by plasma bolts. Dash narrowly avoided a storm of bolts herself, and roared towards another avian. This one was clad in gear that suggested a leader type, and she saw Dash move closer. She roared towards her attacker, but turned at the last minute, Dash flying into a dark cloud trail, blinding her temporarily. She regained her vision just in time to see the same avian with a sword about to slash at her. Dash kicked wildly, and winded her, dropping the sword. She started spiralling towards the ground; Dash pursued and jumped on the falling body. She started punching her, and knocked off the attacker's mask. Dash was kicked off before she could properly see her face, and tumbled down. She stopped and readjusted, and dodged a falling avian, in Empire uniform, a trail of red following. She turned around to see the other avian slam into her, but stopped somehow. Both of them looked apon each other, and instantly recognised each other.

"Spitfire?"

"Rainbow Dash?"

The two of them looked at each other for some time, Dash's mind racing. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm an Air Captain." She looked proud. "And you?"

"Same." Dash moved closer. "Luna, this War has done some weird things to everyone."

"Yeah. It has."

"How's Soarin'?"

"He's good. Shot in the wing a while ago, currently in rehab."

Dash winced. "That's not good."

"Wish I could catch up, but..." She looked up. "Great..."

"What is it?"

"I can't bring myself to attack Republic soldiers now."

"Same here, but with Empire."

Both of them hovered there in silence.

"I wish I could desert..."

Dash flew closer, and widened her arms. "It'll be over soon."

Spitfire got the hint, and wrapped her arms around Dash. "Yeah."

Suddenly, Spitfire yelled. Dash turned to see something just hit her in the shoulder, leaving a smoking hole. Spitfire loosened her grip, and her wings slowed down. Dash turned to see a fellow avian with a smoking gun.

"What the hell, Raindrops?"

"She was an Imperial! I had to fire!"

"She was my friend!"

"That could be called treason, Captain!"

Dash looked at the now-falling Wonderbolt, then to Raindrops.

"Save her any pain by finishing the job!"

Dash's mind raced. Wonderbolts, Republic, friends... I'm loyal to all of them! Dash turned back to Raindrops.

"Screw the Republic, I'm saving a friend!"

Dash rushed off before she could here Raindrop's reply, and she followed the falling Spitfire. She extended two hands out, and grabbed Spitfire with one, she felt a barrier pushing against her, but she powered through. The barrier started turning rainbow, then it finally broke in the middle of the conflict, a rainbow shockwave scattering everyone around. Dash pulled herself horizontal, and raced past Applejack, straight to the main encampment. She slowed down as she approached the hospital tent, and scraped her boots along the ground.

"Captain Dash?! What is it?" Medical Chief Redheart looked bewildered.

"Treat her!"

"Who-" Redheard saw the cringing Spitfire, gripping her shoulder. Then she spotted the uniform.

"But she's a-"

Dash glared at her. "Do I give a buck? Treat her!"

"But I can't treat an Im-"

"It's just a plasma wound! Fix her, that's an order!"

Redheart looked at Spitfire, then back to Dash.

"Yes ma'am."

* * *

Applejack pushed the tent door open, and saw a very distressed Rainbow, next to familiar avian on a medical bed.

"Hey RD."

Rainbow kept looking at Spitfire. "Hey."

Applejack pulled up a seat next to her. "Y'all right, sugarcube?"

"No, I'm not." Dash stood up, her fists clenched. "I don't think anything's right. I was forced to attack one of my best friends, for what? A stupid war that was caused by an argument." She tensed up even more. "Nothing is right!"

Applejack stood up. "Calm down, Rainbow. You saved Spitfire, an Imperial, because of your love for her."

Dash looked up, blushing. "Wha-?"

"You're friendly love, sugarcube."

"Oh." Dash looked back to Spitfire. Spitfire opened her eyes, and looked to Rainbow. "Hey Dash."

"Hey, Spitfire."

She turned to Applejack. "Hey... Applejack?"

"Yep."

"Dash said good things about you. I'd ask for an arm wrestle, but..." She looked to her shoulder.

"S'kay, sugarcube. Maybe later."

"Yeah."

A frightened officer forced the tent door open. "Captain Applejack!"

"What is it?"

"There's a protoavia-" The officer was grabbed, and flung far off. Replacing his position was a person, clad in unfamiliar uniform, wings spread out wide. She walked a bit in, before grinning.

"Hey Dash."

Rainbow glared at the newcomer, and stood in a defensive position.

"Gilda..."

"Haven't seen ya in a while."

"What do you want?"

Gilda folded her wings up and grinned. "I'm just here to collect Captain Spitfire. She's been captured, and I'm being paid to return her safely."

"She isn't healed yet." Redheart pointed out. "We can't just let her go."

Gilda's smile dropped. "Sorry, I'm not being paid to wait." She moved closer and batted away Redheart. She pulled Spitfire out of the bed, causing her to scream in pain. Gilda turned and ran out of the door for a run-up, and took off.

"Damn Gilda!" Rainbow Dash roared, and pursued, before being stopped by Applejack.

"Ah'll deal with her." She lifted her arm, showing the motorised armour over it. "Ah'll outrun her."

"But you can't fly!"

"But she isn't flying very high." Applejack turned the leg motors on and took off, tearing the ground underneath.

* * *

"Jeez, you're not as heavy as I thought." Gilda murmured to Spitfire, who didn't respond. She heard a pounding, but dismissed it as Spitfire's heartbeat. But then it grew louder, and she looked around. She saw a figure running faster than she was flying, spats of dirt following her long strides.

"Gilda!"

"Oh, you. What?"

"Drop Spitfire! You're hurting her!"

"I'm being paid to take her to the Dauntless, not to keep her unhurt." Gilda turned to her flight path, and accelerated. The pounding grew louder still, and she spotted Applejack running even faster. She ran up in front of Gilda's path and, before she could react, she jumped into her. The three of them sprawled to the ground, Applejack landing cleanly. She stomped over to Spitfire.

"Y'all right, sugarcube?"

Spitfire coughed. "Gilda's got a strong grip." She coughed more, and looked to see her hand had some blood staining it. "Very strong. I'll call for assistance; you just get out of here."

"What if Gilda tries to grab you aga-" Gilda slammed into her before she could finish.

"No one stops me from my payment! Not EVER!" Gilda clawed at Applejack, who blocked with her arm.

"Then why are ya hurtin' her?" Applejack swung at her, knocking her off.

"They never said whether she had to be alive or not." Gilda tried standing, only to be kicked by Applejack. "I'm taking free reign."

"Y'all never realised-" She replied, hoisting Gilda into the air. "-Is that ya would be killed for killing her." Applejack pulled her arm back, and her motor powered up. "So ya have ta keep her safe!" Applejack pulled her arm forward, and slammed Gilda into the ground. Gilda fell limp, and Applejack loosened her grip.

"That was awesome!" Spitfire yelled out, and coughed more blood.

Applejack doffed her hat. "Thank ya kindly. Y'all better get some help before Gilda wakes up." She looked up at the Dauntless, casting a shadow a fair distance away. "Ah'd better go, too. Good luck, Spitfire." Applejack tore off, watching the world speed past her, and for a moment, she forgot the horror of the War. She scraped to a standstill before the medical tent, where Rainbow was still standing.

"Hey AJ."

"Hey RD."

Dash helped her friend up. "What happened?"

"Ah took Gilda down and grounded her."

"And Spitfire?" She looked at her nervously.

"A bit worse for wear, but alive." Dash sighed.

"Thank Luna. I guess I owe you one."

"Nah, not really."

The same officer from before walked up.

"Captain Applejack." He fired a salute. "A new report. An enemy Magika squad had been deployed."

"Ah'm not the one to talk to 'bout that."

"Procedure. Also, someone has been seen coming close to the battleline." He held up a piece of paper. "We've got a visual."

Rainbow took the photo. Her eyes widened. "Uh... AJ?"

"Huh?"

"Take a look." She handed the photo to her, and she looked at the person within. A tall woman, wearing a blood-stained coat, clad in boots, and a short pink dress. She could see bandages on her legs, and she was carrying an unusual weapon on her back. None of these things entirely caught her eye, but instead, her face and hair made her instantly recognisable.

"Pinkie?!"

"Likely."

Applejack stuttered. "B-but we haven't seen her in ages. How could she just appear out of nowhere?"

Dash coughed. "Pinkie. She's random."

"Oh yeah." She handed the photo back to the officer. "Thanks. Go tell Trixie."

"Aye, ma'am!" The officer dashed off.

"So, Pinkie has appeared out of freakin' nowhere. We should say hi."

"She didn't look very happy."

"Oh yeah, and her hair was straight. That means she's gone crazy upset."

Applejack stretched her arms. "Well, wouldn't hurt to try to greet her. She is neutral, after all."

"Captain Trixie!" The officer pulled the tent entrance wide open. "New report!"

"Let's see it." She levitated it over to her. "A Magika squad has been deployed?"

"Aye, ma'am. There's something else, though."

Trixie checked further. "The squad is being led by the Empire's Magika Commander. And that could mean..." She dropped the files.

"That's not what I was-"

"My archnemesis, Twilight Sparkle!" Trixie broke into laughter. "I've been waiting years for this chance, to finally beat her at her own game!" She picked up her Magika Rifle, and headed for the entrance. "This will be most enjoyable."

"Uh... Ma'am? Can you read the rest of the report?"

"I'll do it later." She walked out, and barked orders. "For now, The Great and Powerful Trixie needs to teach her where she belongs!"

* * *

Twilight hefted her own Magika Rifle into a more comfortable position, though there was nothing comfortable about being in the thick of war. She surveyed the area, and found the encampment.

"Alright, there's our target. Quick and clean, remember that!"

Nods and salutes moved throughout the ranks. They moved closer, into a piece of destroyed building.

"Dreams, you check if the coast is clear." Twilight spoke softly.

"Yes ma'am." Dreams poked her head out of cover, to the side. "Looks clear."

"Alright, move up. But be careful, it's open ground." The troops moved quietly out of cover. Twilight caught a glimmer of something, and immediately raised her shield. A storm of electricity fell from the ruins straight onto the squad, killing most in fits of agony. The survivors were leapt apon by sword-wielding unicorns, and were quickly cut down. They surrounded Twilight, who kept her shield raised as she prepared her weapon. She dropped the shield, and before any of the Republic could move, she unleashed an arcing lightning stream from the pronged tips of the weapon, which moved between her surrounders. They dropped to the ground with smoke rising from their mouths and eyes, some hair on fire. She heard a gun being cocked, and she raised her shields and turned.

"Sparkle."

Twilight kept the shield up, as she observed her opponent. She wore the uniform of a Republic commander, but had a purple robe over it. Her long, blue hair flicked in the wind, as she grinned a familiar grin.

"Trixie. I thought you would be Republic."

"And I thought you would be Imperial." She looked Twilight directly in the eye, her less-reflective eyes glaring at her. "Lucky for us, we were right." Trixie aimed her gun at Twilight. "I want to duel. Magic and weapons only."

"Done". Twilight dropped the shield and fired her own rifle, only to have a stone moved in the way. The sparks moved across the stone, and wore out after some time. The stone dropped, and Trixie grinned as she squeezed the trigger. Twilight pulled up a shield, which caught the full force of the overcharged lightning spewing from the gun. Trixie stopped firing, and pulled a switch on the gun. She reaimed, and fired a large bolt of energy which deflected of the shield and hit a building, completely shattering it. She fired another few, all redirected from Twilight, and into the surrounding terrain. Trixie pulled the trigger, and a spark emanated between the prongs. She pulled it again, but there was nothing. She tossed the gun away.

"Damn."

Trixie pulled out her sword, and charged headlong. Twilight grinned. She can't get through the shie-

Trixie disappeared in a flash, but Twilight kept still. She heard a flash behind her, and ducked, narrowly avoiding a nasty slash. She kicked back, and knocked Trixie away. Trixie stood up, and started charging magic in her hands. Twilight raised the shield just as Trixie released the energy, a huge beam sparking on the shield. A small part broke, and Twilight was hit by a blast of energy, which she collapsed from.

"Regardless of how powerful you are, Sparkle," Trixie walked up, and stood on her back. Twilight cried in pain. "You just can't handle pain like I can." She pressed harder, and Twilight continued her cries. "I guess I beat you in that respect. Now get up."

Twilight felt Trixie's book raise off her back. Twilight struggled, but failed getting up. Trixie kicked her in the gut, sending her flying. She walked up, grinning evilly, and stood on Twilight's head. She pressed down, Twilight again cried.

"I bet you can't believe I, a wandering magician, can beat you, the Sun Princess's personal student." Trixie placed her boot on Twilight's back, and leaned close to her head. "I guess I am greater and more powerful than any other unicorn in Equestria."

Twilight started a charge of energy, faintly growing. "You haven't beaten me, Trixie."

Trixie stomped on Twilight's back again. "You honestly think that?"

"Of course." Twilight suddenly flashed out of existence, causing Trixie to stumble. She looked wildly around.

"You think that'll stop m-" Trixie was hit suddenly by a stream of lightning, causing her to scream. She fell to her knees, and the stream was stopped. She turned to see Twilight, electricity wrapping around her hand.

"You know, there was a time I actually respected you, minus the whole boasting thing." She walked up, and placed her hand on Trixie's head. "But then this happened. I have the power to fry you instantly, but I won't."

"Why?!"

"Because you have potential to be great. Your attitude is what's keeping you from getting there."

Trixie pouted. "Do you think you can tell me how to live my life?"

"No, I can't." She released her grip, and stood up. "But I can help you realise what's wrong with it." She held her arm out. "Here."

Trixie batted it away. "I don't need help from you." Trixie slouched down. "Leave me be."

"Ok then." She walked towards the Dauntless, and spat out some blood. "But one day, you'll understand." She continued walking, way off into the distance, out of Trixie's sight.

Trixie fell to the ground, a sadness building up inside her. She covered her face, and sobbed. Why can't I beat her?

Why...

Pinkamena walked slowly through the ditch, which cut its way between the Empire and Republic. War was raging on both sides, sounds of guns, blades, and falling bodies filled the air. The stench of blood was thick, which Pinkamena found fairly enjoyable. A familiar rainbow trail passed her vision, and she stopped. She held Party Popper at the ready, and something landed next to her, sending a wave of dust. The cloud was quickly dispersed by a gust of wind, revealing a familiar avian.

"Hey Pinkie!"

Pinkamena ignored her, and kept walking. Rainbow Dash followed.

"Whatcha doing here?"

"Business." She was in no mood to talk to Rainbow.

"But this is a battlefield! You'll get killed!"

"Unlikely."

Dash moved in front of her, and stopped her. "What's the matter, Pinkie?"

Pinkamena pushed her out of her way. "I don't want to talk to you."

"Is this about the cake from earlier?"

Pinkamena stopped. "No, stupid. That was years ago."

"Did you just call me stupid?"

"You're adding evidence to such." Pinkamena kept moving, only to be grabbed in the shoulder. She swung Party Popper at Dash, who released her grip and fell to the ground.

"Hey, what gives? Where's the Pinkie I'm used to?"

"She disappeared five years ago." Pinkamena kept walking. Dash sped off somewhere, leaving Pinkamena alone for a second. She saw something leap down from the side of the ditch, and land in front of her.

"Pinkie!"

"What?" She snapped back. "I'm busy."

"You hardly look busy." Applejack moved closer, only to have the gun pointed at her.

"Stay back, or you'll regret it!" Pinkamena yelled. "Why are you even trying to talk to me?!"

"We haven't seen you in five years. You're our friend!"

"Friends don't argue and never see each over again!" Pinkamena kept her gun pointed at Applejack. "You left me alone and friendless for five years, Applejack. The only person that I could ever be friends with afterwards was Discord!"

"Wait a sec. Did ya say 'Discord'?"

"Yes. I am Lady Diane of Chaos, second-in-command of the Chaos Kingdom. And I am heading to the Everfree Forest."

"Why are ya siding with Discord? And why are ya heading to the Everfree?"

"I told you that I had no one to go to after you guys left me alone. And why the Everfree? That's simple." Pinkamena walked on, passing Applejack. "To capture the last neutral village left in Equestria."

Applejack recoiled. "That's cruel, Pinkie."

Pinkie turned, rage in her voice and face. "And so is splitting Equestria in two, and breaking our friendship!" She aimed the gun at Applejack, who dropped into defence. A blast, similar to a party popper, flashed, and showered her with sharp pellets of many colours. Applejack dropped her defence, and shoulder-charged Pinkamena, sending her flying. She crashed into a barrel that happened to be there, and fell limp. Applejack stomped up, and swung her arm down. Her blow was blocked by Pinkamena's large blade, and she pushed her back. She stood up, and flourished her blade.

"Nice try, Applejack." She sprinted up, body low, and pulled her arm back for a swing. Suddenly, something heavy slammed into her back, knocking her to the ground.

"No one. Hurts. My. Friends." Applejack looked up to see a proud Rainbow Dash, feet planted firmly on Pinkamena's back.

"You..." Pinkamena pushed herself up, and knocked Rainbow off. She grabbed her weapon, and pointed it at her. Dash grinned, and took off high.

"Where did-" Dash slammed into her side, and before she could fall over, another hit on the other side. She felt Dash slam into her from nearly every direction, lifting her into the air. The storm of pain stopped, Pinkamena still in the air.

"AJ! Catch!" Dash launched a powerful kick into her back, sending her straight at Applejack. Applejack pulled her arm back, and just as Pinkamena was nearly on top of her, she swung with the force of a freight train. She was sent sprawling through the air, then down into the ground. Pinkamena could barely move.

"How..."

Dash landed on Applejack's back. "We're good friends. We trust each other fully.

Applejack grinned and pulled Dash of her back. "Y'all chose to lose ya friends, no one made ya."

"Yeah. You could have hung out with Fluttershy, instead of moping to yourself and joining Discord."

Pinkamena struggled up. "I underestimated you. But I can beat you, one day."

"One day, sugarcube, the War will be over, and we'll live peacefully. Y'don't need to beat us."

"I refuse to back down." She turned and limped her way along the ditch. She missteped, and fell to her side. Something flew out of her pocket, and a green energy formed from it.

"Pinkamena, what are you doing?"

She struggled to sit straight. "Heading to the Everfree Village, as you ordered."

"That can wait. You are in no condition to go."

"I am fine, m'lord." She barely managed to stand. "I will capture the Everfree."

"You can barely walk! You may think you're fine, but I know you aren't."

"But-"

"But that isn't the real reason. Apparently, I have been invited to a negotiation with the Princesses."

Rainbow turned to Applejack. "A... negotiation?"

"Bus as I cannot go myself, you have to act as my ambassador."

"As you wish..."

"Now get back here. We can't have you like that."

Pinkamena grabbed the small object, and teleported away.

"Since when could Pinkie teleport?"

"What's more important, sugarcube, is that the Princesses are meeting up for the first time in years."

"That means... They're going to stop the War?"

"Yup. And we'll probably be going as well."

"So that means Twilight and Rarity are going to be there?"

"Naturally. We can finally spend time together without us being enemies."

Dash pumped her fist. "Heck yeah! Shame about Fluttershy not being there. I miss her adorable wussyness."

"Pinkie will be there, too."

"Not really. She's kinda evil. And Trixie will also be with us, so that'll make things interesting."

Applejack grabbed her hand. "Come on, we'd better check up what's going on.

Celestia, Twilight and Rarity went inside the hall. A banquet had been set up, decorations and all. Rarity squeaked.

"These decorations are fabulous!" She went around, examining the tiniest details, and fixing up a few minor problems.

"Rarity, you don't need to go overboard."

"But I haven't done anything like this is five years! Do you not know how hard that was for me?"

"Rather hard, I'd imagine." Twilight glanced at one of the waiter-types, and kind of recognised him.

"Pipsqueak?"

The waiter looked at Twilight. He spoke with a distinctly Trottingham accent. "Twilight! Great seeing you here!"

"Likewise. How are things going?"

"Fairly badly, actually. I learned that Trottingham had been taken over by some third force. But, at least I'm alive."

"And I'm glad you are too. You went into the hospitality chain?"

"Only thing left. I can't stand fighting."

"Fair enough. Well, I guess I'll talk to you late-" Twilight stopped turning. "Actually, Pip, do you know what happened to the others?"

"Like Apple Bloom and company?"

"Yeah."

Pip stared into the distance for a moment. "I think they went with Fluttershy to the Everfree Forest."

She sighed. "Thanks for the reassurance, Pip."

Pip bowed as Twilight returned to the Princess, who sat at the table calmly. Twilight took a chair and relaxed as much as she could. Which wasn't much.

"Are you alright, Twilight?

"Not entirely, Princess. This meeting is so important. I can't relax."

"Don't worry, everything between us will go smoothly."

"That's not what I'm worried about." Twilight turned to see the door being opened a second time, with Luna standing in it.

"Sister, I have arrived."

Celestia's face lit up. "Luna! I missed you!"

"As did I." The two of them literally collided with joy. After the hug, they turned to the table, with Dash, Applejack and Trixie entering behind them.

"Rainbow Dash! Applejack!" Twilight ran up to them in a tackle hug, which they accepted with glee.

"Haven't seen you in ages!"

"We've missed y'all."

Twilight released her arms from them. Rarity approached, trying to look cool, but obviously not inside.

"Greetings, gi-" She was glomped by Rainbow, and was knocked to the ground. "Nice to see you too, Rainbow."

Dash pulled herself off. "Sorry about that. I guess I'm just happy to see you."

"Likewise." Rarity stood up, and walked over to Applejack. "You know, Applejack..."

"What?" She replied, no small amount of joy in her voice.

"I kind of missed your brutish ways to conflict with my own way."

Applejack chuckled. "Yeah, same thing. Yer fancy ways are kinda interestin'." She pointed to the table. "Wanna sit?"

Dash, Rarity and she walked gleefully to the table. Twilight looked over them with joy, until she felt a tap on her shoulder.

"What are you doing here, Sparkle?"

She turned to see a very upset Trixie. "I'm here as the Empire's Magika Commander, and as Celestia's student."

Trixie scoffed. "I'm here as the Republic's Magika Captain. Our rank system is different, so I'm of the same level as you."

"Well done, Trixie."

"Wha- But- Why are YOU complementing ME?"

"We're not enemies. I think you're a great person, if not a little egomaniacal."

"Pardon?"

"You're a loudmouth."

Trixie didn't respond for a second. "I... never got the recognition I deserved. I feel the need to be better than everyone. That's why I made up the Ursa Major story, to make myself look better."

"I understand completely." Twilight put her arm over Trixie's shoulder. "That's why I don't hate you."

Trixie remained silent, even when they moved to the table.

"So, Princess, made any progress?" Twilight said, as she sat down.

"No, not as yet. We are waiting for Discord to appear."

"Why?"

Luna spoke up. "We invited him. He is a sufficiently powerful force, if not the only other force, so we need to make a treaty with him."

"But what if he doesn't agree?"

"We'll work around that."

To the surprise of everyone around, a pink blob of energy came out of nowhere, screaming like metal-against-metal, but louder and less natural. It formed into a particular shape, and burst to reveal Pinkamena.

"Discord sends his regards."

The princesses rose up, expecting a fight.

"Why are you here?"

"Discord is unable to attend, so I'm acting as ambassador. Deal with it."

Celestia sat down, but Luna remained standing. "Luna, sit down."

"I refuse to." She turned to Pinkamena, and switched her voice pattern. "We request that Discord attendeth this meeting in person. We cannot make decisions without his presence."

"Oh, but where's the fun in that?" Pinkamena started walking around the table slowly. "He is literally incapable of coming here in person, but I have a way of talking to him." She pulled out a small metal disk. "It's holographic, meaning you can talk to him to, but...." She moved next to Dash, and creepily moved the disk across her face. "I get to decide whether it's used." She pulled off, and continued her encircling. "So you're going to cope with me. Don't worry, I'll inform him of any decisions you make."

Luna sat down. "Then we must start this meeting. Celestia, doth thou remember how this war was started between thee and us?"

Celestia suppressed her giggles. "Yes. We were arguing how the Kingdom was to be ruled, whether it should be controlled by us alone or through a republic system. The fight got out of hand, and we separated most of Equestria."

"We remember that well. And the War was started when the military forces expanded in power, on both sides. We disti-"

"Luna, please, stop it with the 'we'. I can't hold back my laughter for long."

"Fine then. I distinctly remember when the Solar Empire sent a full military force into our territory. I sent some of my own soldiers to stop them, but through a mistranslation, they ended up attacking them instead. We- I recall the event escalating. It was sickening."

"Indeed. And this never would have happened if we decided to change the system. I thin-"

"Hold on a second!" Pinkamena interrupted. "The war was started when you two wanted to change the way Equestria was run?"

"Not our smartest decision."

"Luna, I said stop with the 'we'."

"I was referring to both of us."

"Oh." Celestia leaned back. "Continue?"

"Lord Discord was right."

"About what?" Twilight asked.

"Those Seraph are a stubborn race!" A voice echoed throughout the room. "Lady Diane, you can stand down. I will talk to them myself."

"As you wish." She placed the disk on the ground as a green mist expanded from it, taking the form of Discord.

"And as they say, when two stubborn people meet..."

"What do you want, Discord."

"I wish to hear this discussion. Please, continue."

Celestia looked back to Luna. "As I was saying, I think we should return to the Kingdom setting."

"We second that."

"Luna."

"Pardon u- me."

Celestia held her hand out, which Luna grabbed and shook. "The Solar Empire and the Lunar Republic is now one."

"Wow, brilliant, that's great." Discord sarcastically muttered. "What now?"

"Discord, you have a choice."

"Then let's hear it, then."

"You can either join us, or we return you to stone."

"A tempting offer, but I'm afraid I have to go with C."

"C...?"

Discord's apparition stood at full height. "I take over Equestria, and you two die."

Luna stood up, ignoring Celestia's warnings. "Discord, you asked for this..."

"Oh?"

Luna took a breath in. "YOU HAVE DISGRACED THE ROYAL SISTERS WITH YOUR PETTY PLAN!"

"Geez, you're loud."

"WE CANNOT TOLERATE ANYONE WHO DISRESPECTS US! YOU'RE ACTIONS MEAN WAR, WHICH THOU WILL EMERGE BROKEN AND RUINED!"

"Seriously, stop yelling. I can hear you fine."

"AND WE WILL EMERGE VICTORIOUS! YOU HAVE MET THE KINGDOM'S MIGHT TWICE ALREADY, HATH THOU NOT LEARED ANYTHING?"

"I've learnt that you're pointlessly loud."

"HALT THY MOCKERY! THE POINT IS, WE WILL CRUSH YOUR FEEBLE ATTEMPTS AT VICTORY!"

"Ah yes, but there's one thing you have yet to realise."

"WHAT?"

"You don't have all the Elements of Harmony."

"UH... WE... Celestia?"

"Unfortunately, he's right. He has Pinkamena, the Element of Laughter."

"And soon, the Element of Kindness."

Luna glared at Discord. "WHAT DOES THOU MEAN BY 'SOON'?"

"Fluttershy's neutrally inclined," Twilight pointed out.

"And if she sides with Discord, that can't end well."

Discord grinned. "Maybe the magic of friendship can help you. Or not. Farewell, everyone. Pinkamena, send the second warning, dated for tomorrow." the green shape disappeared back into the disk. Pinkamena snatched it, and grinned evilly.

"See you guys later." She teleported out of the room.

Silence fell. Twilight broke the silence.

"Does anyone know where Fluttershy is?"

Several glances revealed the answer.

"Ok, how about..." Twilight perked up. "Where Pinkie was heading?"

"Hmm..." Applejack thought for a second. "Ah think she's headed to the Everfree Forest."

"That's a start. But why would Fluttershy be there?"

"She likes animals." Dash pointed out. "Why else?"

"But does she not take over neutral villages as a standard?" Rarity interrupted.

"But the Everfree isn't a neutral village."

"Actually," Celestia raised her finger. "There is only one free village left in Equestria, and it has been marked at the Everfree Forest."

"So, we have: Pinkie takes over neutral villages; Neutral village at the Everfree Forest; and Fluttershy loves animals. What does that mean?"

"Easy," Trixie rose up, and stood on the table. "Fluttershy is in the last neutral village, it's the last one remaining, and Pinkie is going to strike there."

"Amazing roundup, Trix." Dash crossed her arms. "I got that before Twilight even finished."

"Dare you mock the Great and Powerfu-"

"Uh... Trixie?" Twilight nudged her. "You're being a loudmouth again."

"I am aware."

"Oh for the love of-"

"Ladies," Rarity cleared her throat. "Do we not have something to do?"

"Indeed." Luna looked to Celestia. "Shall we mobilise?"

"We don't know where Discord is."

"On the contrary. I traced his signal as he was talking to us. If I can triangulate his position, then we can crush his little kingdom."

Celestia grinned. "Why didn't I think of that? Well done."

Luna bowed. She turned to the others, who were standing uniquely.

"SOLDIERS OF THE KINGDOM, MOVE OUT!"

"Freaking morons." Pinkamena trudged along the ditch from before, brandishing her newest weapon, a flamethrower made from improvised scraps. A small black shape moved to her side.

"M'lady." It said in a strange voice. "The Army is ready for teleportation, and the letter has been sent."

"I understand." she grabbed it. "Go tell Discord I'm almost ready."

"Yes, m'la-"

The canister on her side pulsed, causing the black shape to scream and pop, black metal parts burning themselves away as they hit the ground.

"What the hell?" Pinkamena grabbed the canister. "How did you do that?"

The crystal remained silent. She tossed it, only to have it return to her side. She glared at it until her neck started hurting.

"Just what the hell are you?"

To Be Continued

The Everfree Village

The Great Equestrian War

Part 4 - The Everfree Village

"There you go." Fluttershy stood back, and looked at the mechanical device on McIntosh's arm. "Feel better?"

"Eeyup." McIntosh turned to a proud-looking Apple Bloom. "How'dja make it?"

"Aw, it was easy!" She pulled out a blueprint. "Ah just modified the Worker-model Exoskeletal Arm."

McIntosh lifted his arm, the motor whirring. "How does this work? Ah just want ta know."

"Glad ya asked! The arm has a buncha sensors in it, and they pick up on the nervous signals. Your arm's muscles are a bit too weak to work properly, but tha nerves still transmit fine. So the exoskeleton will move as you normally would, give or take a few kilojoules."

"Ah. So, what changes have ya made?"

"Ah made the casing less covering, so y'all can see your arm. Ah modified the lock to make it possible to open with one hand, and added a power dial, so ya can change the power output to a desired level. S'on the wrist."

"Thanks, sis." McIntosh stood up, and moved the arm a bit. "A bit awkward, but it'll do."

She blushed. "Aww, ya too kind."

McIntosh turned his head to Fluttershy. "Thanks fer fixin' up mah wounds."

"Um... No problem."

"See y'all!" McIntosh walked out of the room, his bulk making the floorboards creek. He poked his head in after a bit.

"May I have a cookie, Ms Fluttershy?"

"Help yourself."

"Thanks." The door closed, and silence drifted in. A nice, friendly silence.

"Apple Bloom, you're very good with technology."

"Yeah, it's mah special talent." She twirled a small spanner on her fingers. "I wish ah realised it before I stuffed up that performance."

"I thought it was cute."

"But everything failed!"

"That doesn't change anything." Silence drifted in again.

"Fluttershy?"

"Yes?"

"Can ah tell you a secret?"

"Hang on." Fluttershy drifted over to the door, closed it properly, then closed the windows, and drifted back.

"Don't ya think that's a bit unnecessary?"

"It's a secret. It's not unnecessary."

"Alrighty then." She leaned closer to the avian, and spoke softly. "I think ah may have a crush on someone..."

Fluttershy perked up. "Oh my."

"It's Spike."

Fluttershy's wings burst open in surprise. "Spike?"

Apple Bloom rubbed her arm. "Yeah. Don't tell anyone, especially him."

Fluttershy pulled her wings back. "I promise."

"Thanks." She wrapped her arms around Fluttershy, and then left swiftly. Fluttershy reopened the windows, and then sat down again. Angel bounced up, looking famished.

"Hi Angel!" She picked him up. "You look hungry."

Angel stared back at her with a deeply unimpressed look.

"Well, let's get you some food, then." She put Angel on her shoulder, and drifted to the kitchen.

* * *

Fluttershy was startled by a knock to the door, dropping the book she had across her face. She rushed over, bleary-eyed, and opened the door slowly.

"Hello, Spike." She opened the door further. "How can I help?"

"I received a letter a few days ago. Can I come in?"

"Sure." Spike walked in, and took to a comfortable seat.

"Anyway, this is the letter."

Fluttershy picked it up. She read what was on the page.

To the Everfree Village.

You're next.

"Oh my. I wonder what that could mean."

"I didn't know myself until I got this." He handed out another letter.

To the Everfree Village.

It appears as if you did not register the first letter we sent to you. So we will explain in full detail what is to happen.

You're village is going to be invaded by the Chaos Kingdom tomorrow, and the wisest choice is to evacuate the town before it is too late.

From Lady Diane of Chaos

Fluttershy froze. "I-Invaded?"

"I guess."

"When did you receive this letter?"

"Just a few minutes ago."

Fluttershy sighed. "We've still got a day to prepare." She picked up a plate and headed for the kitchen. "Why don't you go and spend some time with Apple Bloom?"

Spike stood up slowly. "Why her, specifically?"

She dropped the plate, and her wings burst open. "Uh- Um- Uh, no reason?"

Spike raised an eyebrow. "Whatever you say." Spike walked out of the room.

"Can I have a cookie?"

"S-Sure. Take one for Bloom too."

"You seem a little jumpy, 'Shy."

"Me? Jumpy?"

"Yeah. You. Jumpy."

"It's the letter, that's all."

Spike turned to the main room door slowly. "Oooookay then." He quickly left the room, and left Fluttershy to herself.

Oops...

"C'mon, Sweetie!"

"But it's really high."

"No it's not, wuss." Scootaloo poked Sweetie, causing her to jump. "It's only a metre high."

"I'll break my legs!"

"Your legs are tougher than mine, you're a unicorn! And it's water!" She flapped next to her, and gestured to the pool. "I've landed safely in this thing before!"

"I'm not jumping!"

"Oh, yes you are!"

"No!"

"Yes!"

"No!"

"Oh, screw this!" Scootaloo nudged Sweetie in the back, and she toppled down into the pool. She emerged, cross and shocked.

"You pushed me, you dodo!"

Scoot chuckled as she drifted down. "You had to get off there somehow."

"I could have died!"

"In a metre of water, from a metre jump?" Scoot broke into laughter. "That's impossible!"

"It's not impossible!"

Scoot stopped laughing and turned to Sweetie. "Fine then. Highly unlikely."

Sweetie pulled herself out of the pool, and flopped to the ground. "Don't do that again. Promise?"

"Promise. But you've got to try-"

"No, Scoots."

Scootaloo chuckled, and pulled Sweetie up. "One day, you'll stop freaking out over such small stuff."

"It's only small to you because you were a Wonderbolt."

Scoot looked to the sky. "Likely. Let's go get something to eat."

"Ok then." Sweetie dived behind a wall, and emerged a minute later, back in normal clothes.

"Then maybe we can have a bit of a jam later."

Sweetie perked up. "That's a great, safe idea!"

"Race you to the cafe?"

"No way! You'll win automatically!"

"Worth a shot." The two of them walked to the cafe, the air smelling of coffee and sandwiches.

"What do you want? I'll pay."

"Hmm..." She looked to the board. "Maybe a medium hayfry serve."

"I'll make it a large."

"Cool. What'll you have?"

Sweetie looked unimpressed. "It's for the two of us, dodo."

"Stop calling me that."

"But you like it so much." She shot her a sly grin, rendering Scootaloo speechless.

"You're evil."

"Yep." She burst into a full grin. "Go get us a seat."

Scootaloo saluted, and rushed over to a table at the far back. It was a surprisingly large cafe, considering the town's size. It was said that it was carted here from a town, and wasn't built by Apple Bloom. Sweetie returned, holding a large plate of hayfries.

"Dinner is served." She placed it to their side, leaving a clear line of sight between them.

"Yummy!" Scoot grabbed one and devourered it happily.

* * *

A few fries remained after the feast. Scootaloo eyed them hungrily.

"Scoots, you've had more than me."

"Did not." She grabbed one, and ate it.

"Fine then." Sweetie grabbed the second-last and consumed that one.

"Well, there's only one remaining."

"Who gets it?"

"Maybe you should. I'm feeling a bit full."

"Me too." She snapped her fingers. "I know!" She grabbed the last one and snapped it in half. "Take your pick."

Scoot stared at the two almost-identically sized pieces. She pointed at the one on her left. "That one."

Sweetie passed it to her, and she consumed in slowly. Sweetie looked at hers, and felt incredibly full.

"Actually, Scoots, you can have my bit."

"You sure?"

"Yeah." She passed it to Scootaloo. "I can't eat another bite..."

"We'll get a medium next time." She looked at Sweetie, her eyes drifting to her- She looked away, flustered.

"What?"

"Nothing!" Scootaloo looked around nervously. "Maybe we should head home now."

"You seem a bit edgy." She leaned a squick closer. "Something up?"

"No, no, everything's fine!" She glanced at the restroom door. "Gotta go pee."

"'K." Scoot dashed her way inside, and slammed the door.

"Well, that was weird."

A few hours earlier, at the CMC home...

Apple pulled a wrench out the tool box, and tried turning the pressure valve, which wouldn't budge. She tried harder, but only managed to fly off it during the turn.

"Consarn it!" She whacked the boiler with the wrench, its pressure gauge turning up.

"Having trouble with the heating?"

Bloom turned to see Spike standing in the doorway. "Hey Spike! I did, but apparently, hitting it with this did the job."

"Why'ja have heating problems?" Spike walked up, and crouched next to Bloom. "It was working fine yesterday."

"I kinda used a bit for McIntosh's exoskeleton. I just got a replacement today, and was attaching it earlier." She pointed to a ring, shiny and new compared to the rest. "Ah needed it for the enhanced motor."

"Wow. You sure know your tech."

Bloom blushed. "Thank ya kindly."

"Hey, it's nothing." Spike pulled out the cookie from his overshirt. "Here."

Bloom grabbed it and munched on it happily.

"From Fluttershy. They're good, aren't they?"

She just nodded. "She's really good at cooking."

"Yeah, tell me about it. I couldn't resist eating mine on the way here."

"Ah see." Bloom stood up and stretched. "So, whadya want?"

"I'm just here to hang out. Something big is happening tomorrow, and I kinda want to spend a bit of time together."

She stopped halfway from taking her last glove off. Wants to spend time with me?

"Celestia, that sounded awkward."

"Yeah." She continued pulling her glove of, and grabbed her jumpsuit zipper. "But ah know it's not like that." Though I kinda want it to be.

Spike stood up, just as Bloom pulled the zipper down. "I mean, I'm a Draco, and you're human. It's kinda awkward like that."

"Didn't stop ya with Rarity."

Spike contemplated this. "You've got a point."

"And anyways, a Draco of your age is human enough."

"I see." Spike shook his head. "Wait, are you implying something?"

Bloom tensed up. "Kinda..." She scooted her workboot on the floor.

"What's 'kinda' mean?"

Bloom turned to Spike, and moved closer. "This." She gripped him tightly, and placed her lips on his. Spike stood there in shock. She withdrew, and looked at the ground.

"Ah like you, Spike."

Spike stood there in shock. "Di-did you just-"

Bloom turned her back to him. "Ah'm sorry. I just..." She gripped her hands together tighter. "Wanted to tell ya how ah felt."

"It's fine, Apple Bloom."

She turned back, tears in her eyes. "Huh?"

"I feel..." He rubbed his arm. "The same way. I mean, Rarity is with the Empire, and I could have easily joined for her and Twilight, but I hate war."

"So ya dropped the thought?"

"Mostly, anyway."

Bloom wrapped her arms around him again. "Don't worry, ah'm here."

Spike pressed his face on hers. "I know."

* * *

Spike stared up at the ceiling. "I can't believe you made this. It looks so... sound."

Bloom glared at Spike, her arm over his chest. "Are ya sayin' ah'm bad at this stuff?"

"Of course not." He sat up. "I can't describe it, but it just feels amazing."

"That's cuz ya like me." Bloom matched his position, and leaned on his shoulder. "But it surprises me to."

"Really?"

"Yeah." Spike stepped off the bed, and stretched. "Amazing how we can do that to ourselves."

Bloom stood up and placed her arms around him, bare flesh rubbing against flesh and scales.

"Yer back's not particularly comfortable."

"That's what you get when you're a Draco. Other Draco find it ok, I'm guessing."

"Ah can cope."

The door flew open, a happy Scootaloo grinning. "Hey Bloom! Fixed the hea-" She opened her eyes to see Spike, topless with Apple Bloom's arms wrapped around him. She next saw Bloom, completely unclothed and using Spike to cover herself up.

"Uh... Hi, Scoots. Heatin's fixed."

Scoot stared at the two of them. "Pardon me asking, but WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED HERE?!"

Bloom pulled a blanket of the bed and wrapped herself in it. "Spike came over, and we talked, and-"

"Then you bucked on my bed."

"It's my bed, Scoots!" Sweetie Belle called out from behind Scootaloo. "Hi, Spike!"

"Hey." He turned to Scootaloo. "That's narrowing it down a lot."

"It was a bit more... Romantic." Bloom added.

"Whatever. You still brought a lover in here without permission."

"You're not the lord of the house! And don't forget, ah fixed the heating, so now y'all can have a nice shower!"

"Should I go?" Spike generally asked, but no reply came.

"But I thought we agreed not to bring any boy in here without a unanimous decision!"

"I would have agreed." Sweetie pointed up.

"Unanimous, not majority."

"But it's Spike we're talking about!" Bloom rebutted.

"I'm still here, you know."

Scootaloo remained silent. "You have a point."

"So, he's allowed to stay?"

"I guess."

Bloom and Sweetie cheered. Spike merely facepalmed.

"I think I should get going now." He pulled on his shirt, then his overshirt. He walked up to Bloom, and kissed her. "See you tomorrow!" He sped out of the door, into the dark streets. Scootaloo turned to Bloom, and shot her a sly grin.

"I didn't know you had a thing for Draco's, Bloom."

"Ah don't. Just him."

Sweetie walked inside. "Sounds legit. I'm gonna have a shower."

"Hey! Me first!" Scoot grabbed her. Argument ensured.

"There is tha possibility of y'all both having a shower together."

Scoot's wings burst out. "Are you MAD?!"

"Ya both girls."

"But we're adults! It's weird for us!"

"The shower's big enough."

"It's only got one head!"

"Then share it."

Scoot tried folding her wings up, to no avail. "But-"

"Unless ya like each other."

Scoot glanced at Sweetie, then continued staring at Bloom. "I don't- I mean- I'm not attracted to her!"

"But yer wings are sticking out. Like it has when we were talking about boys when we were younger."

"That doesn't- We were- Uh- Uh... 'Scuse me!" She bolted off to the shower room, and slammed it shut.

"Y'all know what that wing thing means, right?"

"It means that she is embarrassed." Sweetie grinned. "I think I know why."

"Well, go spend some time with her, silly."

Sweetie blushed massively. "Before or after the shower?"

"Up ta you. Ah'm goin ta bed."

* * *

Scoot stood in the shower, water soaking her wings, which had folded up by now. She watched the water flowing along her body, and she stretched her sodden wings. She reached for the shampoo, a green apple smelling one, and poured a small amount into her hand.

"Move over."

She turned to see Sweetie, pushing her way into the cubicle. Scoot's wings burst open, hitting Sweetie with a spray of water.

"What the heck, Sweetie?"

"I'm having a shower, you dodo."

"I'M IN IT, YA DOLT!"

"Exactly."

"What."

Sweetie grinned to herself. Scoot turned her back to her, flustered.

"What do you want?"

She felt an arm wrap around her stomach. "I want to spend some time with you."

"Oh Celestia, don't start."

"But you like this, don't you?"

"Wha- No, I- How can you tell?"

"Your wings."

Scoot facepalmed. "Damned wings."

"I like them." Sweetie stroked one of the vibrant orange wings, causing it to shudder.

"STOP IT!"

"No."

"I hate you."

"I love you too."

"Don't touch me there."

"I know you love it."

"C'mon, seriously- Hey, let go of my wing!"

"But it's so pretty."

"Thanks. Get off."

"Aww... But-"

"Maybe later."

"Yay!"

"MAYBE."

Scoot stormed out of the shower, flustered as all buggery. Apple Bloom grinned, watching her walk out.

"Yer not wearing anythin'."

"I know." Scootaloo growled, and flew up to her bed, suspended from the roof. "Good night."

"Night!"

Fluttershy scrambled through the office in a panicked state, gathering up pieces of paper. A thumping on the door startled her, making her drop everything she had in her arms.

"Hold on!" She squeaked at the door. She dashed to it, and opened it a crack. "Who is it?"

"Me." McIntosh's voice boomed. "And some newcomers."

She pushed the door open more, showing a few familiar faces. "Bon Bon?"

"Hey, Fluttershy."

"Nice to see you. And you too, Lyra."

"Yeah, hi. Listen, we've just gone through something nasty back at Hoofswell."

"Oh?"

"The whole town was swamped by these black robot things, with this woman leading them. Said something about Chaos, and we bolted be- Uh..."

Fluttershy was in shock. Her eyes showed panic, but she barely moved.

"'Shy? What's up?"

"D-d-did you s-say c-c-c-chaos?"

"Yeah, why?"

"A-a-and something a-about an i-i-invasion?"

"More like a slaughter." Bon Bon added.

"And I said swamped, not invaded." Lyra looked a bit smug.

"Lyra, you are so pedantic."

"I know."

Fluttershy grabbed Lyra by the shoulders. "We recieved a letter of invasion, by some Chaos Kingdom!"

"Same guys, I reckon. When did you get it?"

"Yesterday." McIntosh said plainly. "It said they were comin' today."

Bon Bon threw a shocked look at McIntosh. "What?!"

"Really?"

"Eeyup. We've started evac plans. In fact, ah was on mah way here ta get Ms Fluttershy for the official delivery."

"Well that's just PERFECT!" Lyra threw her arms in the air. "We escaped certain death, just to find out we're goin' to die he-"

"Yer forgettin the evac."

"Shut up."

"Lyra, don't be rude."

"Chaos is at our doorstep, and all you can say is to not be rude?!"

"Yes. So just calm down."

"I AM CALM!"

"Ladies," Fluttershy squeaked, stopping the argument in it's tracks. "We've got to get the evacuation complete."

"Um, Spike?"

"What is it, Fluttershy?" Spike sat up from his bed, and put his overshirt on.

"I was just wondering, I mean, if you don't min-"

"We don't have all day."

"-Can you announce for today?"

Spike went to the fridge, and procured a gemstone. "Sure. I mean, you're very quiet, and McIntosh hardly speaks."

"That's why I asked."

Spike bit down, and crunched the ruby into smaller pieces. "Makes sense." He grabbed the rest of the plate of gems, and wrapped it in a plastic bag. "We're not going to be here long, so you might want to, I dunno, pack or something."

"I already have." Fluttershy picked up Angel from the floor. "I've let some of the animals ahead, to where we'll be moving to."

"Smart. But I'd better go ahead and announce." He stuffed the gems into his pocket. "After you."

* * *

Spike stood on the village stage, overviewing the crowd. There were not many in the village, but he noticed two familiar girls that he hadn't seen here before. He instinctively scanned for Apple Bloom, who was apparently absent. He raised the megaphone, and breathed in.

"Citizens of the Everfree Village, Fluttershy and Big McIntosh have gathered you here to alert you of some very important news."

A murmur broke in the crowd. Several looked nervous.

"We have to evacuate the Village."

The murmur raised in volume.

"This is the plan:" He pointed to a sheet that had just unfurled. "All of us will meet here, to the south of the Everfree Forest, where Sparkler will give you more instructions. As for now, take only what you need, and one or two items that you want."

One person raised his hand. "What are we evacuating from?"

"I'm not going to lie to any of you. We are targeted by a third faction from the War."

"What happens if they come after us?"

"Well, as far as we know, they let people who are escaping go. But if it comes to that, we are on the border of the Lunar Republic, so we can retreat into there." Spike saw several shocked faces, some towards his saying of one of the factions.

"Now, many of you don't like the idea of that, but I assure you, the Republic will keep us safe." Another hand shot up. "Yes?"

"Why the Republic? We're also next to the Empire, so why them?"

"An excellent question, Carrot Top. Where we're evacuating to is closer to the Republic, but we're not heading into any War territory." Yet another hand rose, this time from the back. "Yes... Uh... What's your name again?"

"Lyra Heartstrings. As I was heading to the village, I saw Republic and Empire stuff literally on their toes, but not even attacking."

"Maybe they're having a small amount of peace time."

"I would assume so, but I also found this newspaper article, saying that the Empire and Republic is now one Kingdom."

"So the War is officially over?"

"I'd say so."

McIntosh cleared his throat. "But what about this third army?"

"You have a point, McIntosh." Spike shook his head. "Anyway, that's not the subject of this announcement. All houses have instructions on the door, so you know what to do." He looked around, then to Fluttershy. "How do I finish this?"

"Here, let me do it." She said softly, with a smile on her face. "Um... Excuse me... but, um, good luck, everyone."

The crowd eventually dispersed, leaving McIntosh, Fluttershy, Spike, Lyra and Bon Bon in the area.

"Soooo..." Lyra said to break the impending silence. "I guess we should get going."

"Indeed." Bon Bon replied, and grabbed her backpack from the ground. "See you guys later!"

"See ya!" Spike called as they left his sight. "Hey, McIntosh?"

"Eeyup?"

"Have you seen Apple Bloom?"

"She's workin' on something. Ah reckon she's probably tinkerin' with an old project of hers."

"I see." He stood up, and turned to the Ex-Cutie Mark Crusader house. "I guess I'll go pay her a visit."

* * *

"Hammer, Sweetie!" Apple Bloom called out, as she yanked something out of the box, and held her hand open.

"Here you go," Sweetie passed the hammer to her. "Though you're just working on the wiring or something."

"Don't ask." She struck the box, making a loud clang. "Though you're probably goin' to. Ah'm rewiring it, but the old stuff's gotta come out first."

"So, you're smashing it with a hammer."

"Well, it works, doesn't it?"

Sweetie fell into a contemplative state for a second. "Point taken."

"By tha way, have ya seen Scoots?"

"I think she went out for flying practice." She looked sadly at the ground. "I feel really awful with the way I treated her last night."

"Ya mean stickin' yer hand where it don't belong?"

"You're not helping."

"Ah know." She grinned and smashed the wires again.

"So, why are you working on this old pile of junk?"

"Ah may need it ta build some more buildings when we evacuate. 'Sides, it's pretty cool."

"So why have you added railings to it?"

"Ta carry our stuff, obviously."

"And the extra seats?"

"Fer you two."

Sweetie facepalmed. "It doesn't look remotely safe."

"Ah haven't run it in about five years. It just needs some work."

"Anyway, I'm going to find Scoots and apologise."

"Kay." She smacked it again, a fairly dangerous bit narrowly missing Sweetie.

"Watch it!"

"Kay."

* * *

"Why haven't you moved yet, Spike?" Fluttershy inquired, as Spike merely stood there.

"I dunno. Just got a bad feeling."

"Oh my."

McIntosh looked skywards. His eyes widened, and he grabbed the two of them, just as something smashed where they were. The dust cleared, revealing a pink-haired girl, holding an unusual weapon.

"Hey." She said with a hint of mania in her voice. "I see you have actually read the letter."

Fluttershy, now free of McIntosh's grip, stared at the unusual girl. "P-P-Pinkie?"

Pinkamena's grin dropped, and formed into a scowl. "Why does everyone keep calling me that? I'm not 'Pinkie'!"

"It's so good to see you again." Fluttershy squeaked.

Pinkamena's grin returned. "You will not believe how good it is to us to see you."

"U-Us?"

"The Army." A black swarm spilled from the trees, and tore its way through the town. Several of the black machines surrounded the group.

"What the-?" Spike said as they formed around them.

"Army, here are the orders. Do not kill anyone here. Merely capture them."

"Yes, M'lady." One of them responded, and grabbed Spike. Spike protested, but to no avail.

"What are you doing, Pinkie?" Fluttershy cried out to her.

Pinkamena could stand it no more, and showed it with a loud, guttural roar. She stomped up to Fluttershy, and smacked her hand on her face.

"DON'T CALL ME THAT!"

"Stop right there!" A voice rang out, drawing Pinkamena's attention. She saw a large humanoid- vaguely, but still close enough- metal suit, giant arms raised for punching position. In the centre of the walker was a familiar girl, looking very annoyed.

"Oh, it's you."

"Of course it's me! Leave Fluttershy alone!"

"What if I don't?"

"They you have ta deal with me." The walker stepped closer, then a few more times until it was in a full-on sprint. A bright energy wrapped around Pinkamena, forming into a smaller metal suit. The larger one collided with Pinkamena's, and knocked them both to the ground. Bloom pulled its fist back, and smashed it down onto the glass window of the smaller one, cracking it. It swung another large punch, but that one was grabbed by Pinkamena, and shoved off. It stumbled around, and prepared for another charge, only to be halted by a blast of plasma to its leg. It toppled down, right onto its cockpit, trapping Bloom. Pinkamena burst out of the suit, leaving it to dissolve, and simply walked up to the larger one. She pulled Cakecutter out of nowhere, and jabbed down. The blade narrowly missed Bloom's shoulder through the suit.

"Did you think you stood a chance against me?"

"Ah pretty well did!"

"Fool." She retracted the blade, and stabbed down again. The blade landed even closer to Bloom's shoulder.

"Yer not like this, Pinkie!"

"STOP CALLING ME PINKIE!" She pulled the blade back and stabbed down, harder and directly into Bloom's shoulder. Bloom screamed in pain, and Pinkamena pulled back again. Before she could stab down, she felt a humungous weight smash into her, sending her flying. She flipped back up, and saw an enraged McIntosh.

"What do you want? This isn't your battle."

"It was when ya hurt mah sister." McIntosh had rage painting his face, which meant he meant it. He ran up to her at full speed, leaving Pinkie's gun half-built when he smashed into her again. He knelt on her stomach, holding her down, and powered up for a full swing.

Which hit.

Directly into her arm, as she raised it to block. She roared in pain, as McIntosh stood off her. She barely registered her being picked up by a Grounded One, and putting her arm into a cast. In fact, all she could feel was pain, and nothing else.

McIntosh glanced at the now-nervous Army, as he lifted the large walker, and pulled Bloom out gently.

"Y'all right, sis?"

"Yeah, just-" She winced in pain. "Let's get out of here."

"Not so fast!" Pinkamena called out, suddenly forgetting her pain. "If you all try to leave, we will kill you."

"But I thought you only came here for the land!" Spike called out, still in a Chaos One's arm.

"We never came here for this stupid little village!" She pointed to Fluttershy. "We came for her!"

"Why?"

"She is an Element user, and we need her." Pinkamena walked up, and disregarded the black cast which dissolved as she threw it to her side. "If you try to fight, we will kill you. Don't, and you can go to the Chamber."

"The... Chamber?"

"A place for all we capture. It's like living in hell, so your choice."

"Wait!" Fluttershy called out. "Don't kill them, or send them there!"

"Too bad, we're going to."

"You only need me, right?" She stood taller, and spat out some blood. "So if I go willingly, will you spare them and the rest of the village?"

Pinkamena stood there, staring at Fluttershy. Somehow, something inside her felt overwhelming sadness over this entire event, but she pushed it back.

"Deal." She walked up, and grabbed Fluttershy. "Army, let the rest of them go, and return to the Fortress."

Most of the black constructs shifted from sight, though some remained. Spike fell to the ground, and ran up to Apple Bloom.

"You ok?"

"Dandy." She replied, and coughed. "Yaself?"

"Glad you're alive."

Pinkamena glared at them. "Don't make me change my mind."

McIntosh walked smoothly off, making sure not to hurt Bloom. Spike followed, and glanced at Fluttershy before leaving.

Pinkamena turned back to Fluttershy. "You look scared." She grinned.

"O-of c-course I am."

"Don't be. Discord's a nice guy."

Without warning, Pinkamena's element canister pulsed again, but stronger this time. Something glowed around Fluttershy's chest, hidden by her clothing. One of the remaining Chaos Ones grabbed its faceplate, and emitted an awful noise.

"What the hell is that?!" It screamed and saw the glowing canister on Pinkamena's belt. "It's that, isn't it?"

"Yes it is, but why-"

It reached for the canister and yanked it off her belt. Suddenly, a bright, blue light grew in power from the crystal, and it screamed again, before detonating in a burst of multicoloured fire. The canister returned to her belt, and stopped glowing. The other Chaos Ones looked at the flaming mess, then at Pinkamena.

Pinkamena looked at the damage, then to Fluttershy, looking very much bewildered.

"That wasn't supposed to happen."

To Be Continued

The Confusion

The Great Equestrian War

Chapter 5 - The Confusion

"M'Lord, we bring excellent news."

Discord opened his eyes, the missized red pupils scanning the Chaos One. "Tell me."

The black construct bowed. "We have captured the Everfree Village, with no casualties."

"Excellent. And what of the actual thing you were meant to get?"

Pinkamena burst through the door, dragging the limp avian behind her. "Got her!"

"Bravo, Pinkamena!" Discord clapped, sounding off unusual noises with each clap. "I'd promote you, but you're already at the highest rank possible."

"Thank you, Lord." She waved the Chaos One off, and it took to the air. She threw Fluttershy to the ground hard.

"You know, I wonder why we bothered capturing her in the first place."

"Do speak. I always like hearing other's thoughts."

"With me and her working for you, Celestia can't use the elements. It would have been easier to just leave her.

"Oh, that." Discord walked slowly towards the two of them. "It would have been possible for her to use the existing elements to draw you back to them, and then she would have you being used against me."

"That's a good point."

"Of course, it is possible to do the same thing now, but it would take longer to pull off."

Discord crouched next to Fluttershy, now at Pinkamena's height. "I'll just secure her. You can go if you want."

"Nah, I've got nothing to do."

"Fair enough." Discord grabbed the frightened avian, and pulled her back to his throne. A sly grin grew on his face. "You know, she's a fine piece of work, isn't she?"

Pinkamena blushed slightly. "I guess."

Discord placed his hand on Fluttershy's shoulder, her squeaking in response. "I guess I can have a bit of fun with her." He looked up to Pinkamena. "Care to join?"

"No thanks. I'll just watch."

Discord slid his hand along Fluttershy's arm, and moved to her leg. Pinkamena felt her balance shoot off, and she stumbled. A pain grew in her lungs, causing her breath to shorten. Discord, oblivious of her sudden upset, stroked the avian's body, causing her to shudder. He stopped close to her chest when Pinkamena coughed harshly.

"Are you alright?"

"Fine," She saw blood on her hand, and looked to Discord. "Just fine."

"If you insist." He continued moving his clawed hand up Fluttershy's body, her squirming weakly. He grabbed one of her breasts, only to pull back when Pinkamena fell to the ground, coughing intensely, a red puddle forming.

"Pinkamena, are you sure you're ok?"

"No..." She said weakly. "But go on."

Discord slowly turned his head back to the shocked avian. Shocked not from her just being handled inappropriately, but at Pinkamena's state. Discord grabbed the neck of Fluttershy's collar, and pulled it down. His hand grazed a metal object, partially embedded in her now-exposed cleavage, and stopped. Pinkamena felt herself not getting any worse, and looked up.

"What the..."

The canister pulsed, a bright pink light flashing. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a blue glow from Pinkamena's waist.

"What's this?"

The canisters pulsed again, a small disk of energy blinking between the two of them. They pulsed again, then again, then more and more times, pulsing even sooner with each one. The disk formed with every pulse, throwing up a small burst of electricity each time. Pinkamena walked closer, the pulses firing several times a second now, the disk becoming larger each time. A small sphere of energy formed in the centre, a swirling pink and blue orb, sparking continuously.

Discord was in too much awe to feel Fluttershy pulling herself free, and flying up to Pinkamena. The orb grew to enormous size, and with a tap from Pinkamena, sent a beam of two-coloured light crashing into Discord, breaking his throne with his impact. The pulsing stopped, leaving sparks to die out in the air.

He pulled himself up, looking irritated. "Why did you do that, Pinkamena?"

"I-I didn't!" She protested. "It happened on its own!" She looked to Fluttershy, who looked calmer beside her, somehow. Pinkamena coughed again, a small spray of red hitting her hand.

"Then what about that giant beam thing?"

"I-I..." Before Pinkamena could continue, she collapsed to the ground, in extreme pain. Fluttershy grabbed her and pulled her up. Suddenly, the pain alleviated, and she no longer felt like coughing. "How did you do that?"

"I figured you were being killed by Discord's actions, so I reversed the steps." She gave her a small grin, to which Pinkamena felt extremely happy. It felt good.

"Spare me the lame sentimental crap, Pinkamena." He dusted his coat off, and walked up to them. "Give her back."

She looked at Fluttershy, who looked frightened. She looked to the ground, and thought. "You know what?"

Discord smacked his face. "Oh come on."

"I won't."

"Wha- But that's an order!"

"Well, I am of now no longer part of this army. Good day." She grabbed Fluttershy by her waist, and walked out.

"You signed a life contract!" Discord panicked. "You can't back out of this!"

"Well, you obviously don't know me."

Dash landed softly on the deck of the Dauntless, and looked to Applejack, the only one up there. "Man, it's good to fly freely again."

"Ah hear ya, sugarcube." Applejack threw her apple core off the side of the deck, and watched it fall. "Soak it in while ya can, we'll be fighting again soon."

"Darn."

"Yeah." The two leaned in silence for the best part of a minute. "Hey, have ya noticed somethin?"

"Eh?"

"With Rarity and Twilight. Twi seems ta be a wee bit jumpy when anything with Rarity is involved."

"You know, I have noticed." Dash pushed herself of the rail, and cracked her neck. "And Rarity acts a little familiar with her."

"Maybe they like each other or somethin'."

"Likely. Why'dya bring it up?"

"Ah dunno." She looked slightly away from Rainbow. "Just thinkin'."

"Are you sure you're not lying?"

She glared up at the smiling avian. "Ah'm the Element of Loyalty, Dash! Why would I lie?"

"Because you have lied many times."

She turned away, blushing. "Th-that's irrelevant!"

Dash grinned slyly. "You like me, don't you."

"Wha- No, ah just-"

"There you go, lying again."

"Yeah, ah do, okay? What's it ta you?"

"How long have you liked me?"

"A few weeks now. But why-"

"Because I've liked you for about 8 or more years."

"Wait, wha-" Rainbow moved closer, and pressed her forehead against Applejack's.

"Have I ever told you you're cute? Of course, I'm cuter, but still."

"This is embarrasin'."

"No one's looking." The two leaned closer and closer, and were about to touch their lips when they were interrupted.

"I'm sorry to disturb you," Rarity, who had just walked up to the deck, hid her laughter almost perfectly. "But we've got an incoming unknown unit, so you'd better prepare yourself."

Applejack shoved Rainbow off, blushing. "Alrighty then."

"Dash, you are to head to the air and scout."

Dash fired off a quick salute before launching off. The two left on the deck watched her create a rainbow wake as she soared off.

Rarity could no longer contain it. She burst into hysterical laughter, catching Applejack's glare, which made her only laugh more.

"What in tarnation is so funny?"

Rarity stifled her laughter. "It's just... perfect timing!" She continued laughing, collapsing to the ground in fits of hysteria.

"What?"

"I came onto the deck just as you were-" She couldn't finish her sentence before she fell into even more laughter.

"How the hay is that funny?"

"I don't know!"

Applejack chose to ignore Rarity, and watched Dash arc back to the deck.

"It's a Chaos aircraft." She looked at Rarity, her laugh dying off slowly. "What's up with her?"

"Ya don't wanna know."

"Hey, Rarity!"

Rarity stood up, still recovering. "Yes?"

"The incoming is a Chaos aircraft. ETA damn soon."

"Well then, I shall alert the ship. You stay here, Dash. Applejack-"

"Ah don't take orders from you."

"It's a suggestion that will prevent us from being killed."

"Fine then. Shoot."

"-You can man that gun."

"Nah, I'll just head to the ground." Applejack pulled herself off the side of the bow, and started falling to the ground.

"Why did you do that? You'll get yourself killed!"

"Shock absorbers!" She yelled as she plummeted to the ground.

Rarity saw her drop, and merely leaned back and sighed.

"Honestly, I will never understand her."

* * *

The jet soared along nicely, making quick progress to the Dauntless. Fluttershy looked nervous, though.

"Um, Pinkie?"

"Yeah?" Pinkie, her hair still smooth, looked at her.

"Are you sure it's safe to fly up to a war ship in a military-grade jet?"

"I wouldn't worry about it. There's a little white fla-"

The jet suddenly jolted under a storm of plasma bolts, one of which hit the jet.

Fluttershy went into panic mode, gripping onto Pinkie harder. Pinkie aimed the jet, which was slowly losing control and structural integrity, to the hull, and opened the cockpit. She leapt from it, holding Fluttershy in her arm, and landed with the jet soaring over her head and crashing into one of the guns shooting her. She pulled out a smaller version of her plasma cannon, and looked around. She saw Rarity approaching, blade unsheathed and pointed at her.

"Hi, Rarity!"

"Don't try to sympathise with me, Chaos dog."

"Wait!" Fluttershy squeaked, but was unheard.

"I'm not a Chaos dog! I'm a human!"

"Do you honestly think I'll fall for that?"

"Fall for the truth? Yeah, obviously."

"Well, it is not going to work!" She slashed at Pinkie, who tossed the scared avian out of harm's way and blocked with her gun. The blade stopped half-way through, caught in a bundle of wires.

"Fluttershy!" Pinkie screamed as Rarity pulled her blade back. "Run!"

Fluttershy panicked. She looked at the edge of the deck, and her wings froze.

"I can't!"

"Of course you ca-" Pinkie was kicked in the chest, and sent flying.

Into Fluttershy.

Both of them were sent flying off the deck. Fluttershy screamed, while Pinkie just looked down, seeing a rainbow streak aimed right for them. Before she could react, it passed her, grabbing the frightened avian.

"Hold on, Fluttershy!" She yelled to her, though it was unlikely she could hear her. With a scream of reality tearing, she unfurled her glider, and fired up the jets. She arced up, nearly scraping the hull of the airship, and aimed for Rainbow Dash.

* * *

Dash, still watching the remains of the jet crashing and disintegrating, caught sight of Fluttershy falling off the edge of the Dauntless, with Pinkie following. She went to full speed, and snatched her before Pinkie could react to her. Fluttershy curled up after impact, opening her eye after a second.

"Rainbow?"

"Yo. Long time no see."

"L-Likewise. What are you doing?"

"Saving you from Pinkie, obviously."

"But-" Fluttershy was cut off with the sound of reality tearing, and spotted Pinkie catching up. Dash turned her head back, and saw her roaring to her.

"Dashie!" Pinkie yelled, almost inaudible. The advantage of wings is that they're quieter than engines, which is why most of the air force is actually avians.

"Get lost!"

"Wait! I have something to tell you!"

"I don't care! Stay away from Fluttershy!"

"I'm trying to save her!"

"No you're not! You have no reason!"

"I totally have a reason!" Pinkie was nearly on top of Dash now. "Slow down so I ca-"

One of the wing tips on the glider suddenly sliced cleanly off. Pinkie was sent into a corkscrew, and nearly clipped Dash as she fell. Dash felt her comm buzz.

"I expect you to thank me later." Rarity said, her voice distorted by wind and the usual broadcast noise.

"What for?"

"For stopping Pinkie, obviously. Anyway, you have to land on ground."

"Why?"

"We're not prepared. Simple as that. Land on the ground and we'll pick you up."

"Kay then!"

"You're girlfriend will be there too."

Dash blushed. "My- wha- uh- who?"

Rarity chuckled, and the comm buzzed out.

"Um... Rainbow?"

"Not now."

"But, this is impor-"

"I said, not now!"

"Um, can you just listen to me for-?"

"I'm busy trying to land!" She glided along the side of the Dauntless, and aimed for a soft spot of land.

"Dash!"

She turned her head rapidly, and saw Pinkie gliding, sun mostly behind her.

"What the hell?"

"Stop!"

"No way!"

"But I need you to stop!"

"Why?"

"So I can explain everything!"

"Explain what?"

"I'll tell you when you stop!"

"That won't work on me!"

Pinkie made a noise that could only be related to frustration. She pulled out her blade, and whacked Dash on her side with the flat of the blade. Hard. Dash released her grip of Fluttershy, and started arcing down. Pinkie tossed her blade aside, and grabbed Fluttershy, then angled herself to Rainbow Dash, and grabbed her.

"Sorry, Dashie." Dash was in too much pain to respond. "You ok, Fluttershy?" Fluttershy was in too much shock to also respond.

She glided slowly down, a familiar thumping sound rising from the ground.

"Hey!"

Pinkie cocked her head to the sound, and saw a fast-moving armoured person thud beside her.

"Hey, Applejack!"

"Stop this nonsense, Pinkie, and leave before we have to kill you!"

"I'm not causing any nonsense."

"Ya look like you a- Wait."

"Eh?"

"Y'all didn't rage about yer name."

"Well, my short name is Pinkie."

"But a day ago, ya would've said it was Pinkamena of Chaos or something."

"Oh that. I quit."

"Ya WHAT?!"

"I quit. Simple as that."

"Holy apple branches that changes everything."

"Like?"

"We can use the Elements of Harmony!"

"Sound grea-" A bolt of energy tore through her glider, and burst from her chest and blasted into the ground.

"What in tarnation-"

"You payed me for this job, remember?" A familiar voice shot through her memory.

"Gilda?"

"Yeah, that's me." She pulled back before either of them could reply. After all, Applejack did smash her into the dirt a while back.

Meanwhile, Pinkie had just snapped back from her state of subconsciousness, and flipped to her back. She pushed the avians with as much force as she could muster, which mostly matched her now-dropping speed, and she crashed violently into the ground. The avians, now with their momentum expended, simply ragdolled on the ground a few metres below them.

* * *

Dash regained her consciousness to see Fluttershy pull her up, and Applejack storm past.

"Ow, my wings." She sat up. "You ok? What happened?"

"Pinkie saved us."

"She hit me, and then grabbed you, you mean."

"No, Pinkie grabbed me thenyou."

"Why did she? Aren't we enemies?"

"So were you and Spitfire."

"Oh yeah." Dash stood up, but nearly fell from pain. "Where's Pinkie?"

"Over there." Fluttershy supported Dash as they limped up to the small ditch created from Pinkie's fall.

"Hey AJ."

"Howdy, Sugarcube. Y'all right?"

"I'll get better. What's the story?"

"With Pinkie, right?"

"Duh."

"Ah, well, she grabbed tha two of you, and I tried to stop her. Gilda blasted her through, and she pushed you two back ta save you from crashing like this."

"Wow." Dash kind of stood in amazement. "I thought she hated us."

"That was Pinkamena." Fluttershy said softly. "This is Pinkie."

Dash looked at the wreckage, and saw that the glider hadn't disintegrated yet. Still strapped to it was a peaceful-looking Pinkie, her hair still straight.

"Is she..."

"Nah, just unconscious." Applejack flicked one of the straps off Pinkie, and reached for the next one. "Can one of ya still fly?"

"I can, but I'm supporting Dash."

"I'll be fine. Just lower me slowly." She cringed as Fluttershy slowly dropped her to her knees. "Thanks."

"Now, sugarcube, Ah need you to hold Pinkie's shoulders."

"Okay." Fluttershy flapped up to Pinkie, and held her by the shoulders. "Any reason?"

"Ah don't want her falling when her glider goes up." She loosened another strap, and placed her hand on the other one. "Ready?"

Fluttershy gave as stern a nod she could give. Applejack flicked the last strap, yet nothing happened. "Lift her up and place her down here."

"Okay." Fluttershy lifted Pinkie slowly up, and pulled her slightly to the left. The mangled glider started extruding a glowing pink energy, which swirled around aimlessly when Pinkie was set down. Most of the energy dissipated, but two strands pulled themselves around the wounded girls. Dash jumped up after the surge, and flew up, looped a few times, and landed softly.

"Whatever just happened, I'm glad it did." She saw the other coil flood into Pinkie's body. Pinkie jolted, and her eyes opened.

"Hey guys!"

"Hey, Pinkie." Dash replied, and leaned next to Pinkie, who was now being supported by Applejack. "You ok?"

"I think Gilda missed the important stuff." She said, fingers hovering over her still-open wound, which was cauterised, at least. "But I need important medical treatment."

"Well, Twilight is on her way down, with a full team ready to bring us on board." Applejack replied, and gently lifted her up. "So ya might want ta relax a bit."

"But Twilight doesn't know-"

"Ah told her and Rarity. Loosen up a bit."

* * *

Pinkie lay on the medical table, a unicorn concentrating on her wound, which was slowly healing and spitting out burnt flesh occasionally.

"So, Pinkie, explain to me what happened between the meeting and now." Twilight held out a page of paper, quill pressed on it.

Pinkie, lying half-naked but covered with a blanket, explained the invasion, her bringing Fluttershy to Discord, and how their Elements reacted when she mentioned something that made Fluttershy blush. She then went onto explain the events after, but was stopped by Dash.

"We were in that bit. We know what happened then."

"Oh." Pinkie coughed, which the medical staff member healing her looked slightly distressed. "K then."

Twilight wrote into some parchment, which she flared in green energy which flew through a crack in the window frame. "There. The Princesses have been informed." She turned to the staff member healing Pinkie. "Can I help?"

"You're not qualified, ma'am. I'd like you to, but you can't."

"I'm Magika Commander, so I do actually have authority to help. I know some restoration magic."

"Uh... I guess. I never got informed of this, but..."

"Also, Pinkie's my friend. I want to help her."

Dash whined a bit. "Unicorns are so lucky."

"You have the natural ability to fly and manipulate weather, and move faster than other human subspecies." Rarity pointed out.

"Point taken."

Twilight leaned closer to Pinkie, and concentrated. At about 50 times the speed of the staff member could, her wound healed in a few seconds. Pinkie opened her eyes from the now-gone pain that accompanied the healing process.

"I think I'm good now."

"Excellent." Twilight flicked a bit of burned flesh off her face, which fortunately was the only bit that hit anyone. "So, we're mobile now?"

"Of course!"

A hurried running echoed from the hallway, and a panting Trixie stood there. She regained her composure quickly.

"Commander Twilight?"

"Yes, Captain?"

"There's something you should see."

* * *

"It can't be..."

"It is." A glowing spike of energy shot into the sky, several kilometres away, crackling tendrils arcing to the ground, distorting the land nearby.

"A terraforming spell?"

"Looks like it. But I've read up on terraformation. This isn't any normal spell." She pointed to the spike. "Terraforming only affects the ground, not the sky. And energy isn't normally built up in the centre of a column of magic which also doesn't happen in normal terraformation spells."

"How the heck do you know this?"

"Luna gave me a book to read about it."

"I see. Wait-" She leant closer. "It's getting stronger."

"Probably a shockwave build up. We'll be fine."

"Not that!"

"Huh?"

"The distortion is getting stronger, and further! It looks like the ground is about to crack!"

"Oh crap."

Before any of them could say more, the glowing ball of energy at the centre of the blast burst open, a blue-edged shockwave soared over the land. It passed further than the bulging land, which was tearing itself up, and passed harmlessly through the mountains and the airship. The clouds swirled above the origin, and the ground broke into an odd pattern and chunks were forming a cloud around the centre. The air suddenly buckled, sending the Dauntless into an odd position. Twilight stumbled, and started falling, when she was grabbed by Trixie.

"Now we're even."

"Thank you, Trixie!" She pulled herself up as the Dauntless levelled back to a resting position. She looked over to the mountains, and saw that a huge chunk shattered and was falling for...

"Canterlot..." Twilight murmured, and then repeated it panic.

"I'm sure the Princesses have it under control!"

She was too busy stressing to listen. Trixie grabbed Twilight by the shoulders and shook her.

"Oi! Calm down!"

"Ok, Ok!" She said, clutching her head. "I'm sure it will be fine."

A letter materialised in front of her, and fell to the ground. In a fluster, she picked it up and read the words inside.

My most faithful student/Commander Twilight,

We're fine. Do not worry. No one has been killed by the avalanche, only wounded and collapsed buildings. We will deal with the rebuild.

You, on the other hand, must go to the origin and defeat Discord, with the Elements of Harmony. Good luck to you all.

Princess Celestia

"What's it say?" Trixie tilted her head.

"We have to go to the origin."

"What? Why?"

"We need to use the Elements on Discord."

"I see." Trixie saw Dash fly straight up the stairway, followed by Applejack, then Rarity, then Pinkie covering her chest with a blanket, with Fluttershy helping her.

"What the hell happened?" Dash yelled, panicked. "We were fine until the ship just flipped about!"

"That was caused by a shockwave from there." She pointed to the column of energy, with ground and clouds circling around it.

"Uh... What the hay is that?" Applejack asked.

"I know." Pinkie said darkly. "Discord's broken his fortress spell, which he had only because I was working in his place."

"So a whole cataclysm was caused by a spell break?"

"Well, he did spend five years building up excess energy. The spell made his fortress impenetrable to normal methods, but with it broken we should be able to head on in and stop him from taking over Equestria."

"I shall head us there." Rarity chimed, and grabbed Twilight's arm. "Come on." She pulled her back down the stairs.

"Well, better get some rest before we go, AJ."

"Not a bad idea, RD. Let's go."

"I need to practice." Trixie said deadpan, following the other two down the stairway.

Pinkie and Fluttershy remained on the top, looking over the blighted land that was caused by the chaos. The ship slowly turned to the pillar of energy, and held when it was pointing its bow nearly dead centre.

Pinkie grinned. "You know, there's something I've always wanted to do."

"Oh?"

She tossed the blanket aside, and pointed to the pillar. Fluttershy blushed and her wings burst out, but Pinkie seemed oblivious, even to the cold air coiling around her naked torso.

"Onward, to VICTORY!!"

To Be Continued

The Final Battle

The Great Equestrian War

Chapter 6 - The Final Battle

"We are now heading to the origin at approximately 60km/h. All non-gunner crew are prohibited from heading to the upper deck without sanctioned permission from the Admiral." The comm rang out in Rarity's voice, and Dash let out a disappointed sigh.

"What's up, sugarcube?"

"I'm not allowed up deck to fly."

Applejack chuckled, provoking a response from Dash. "You can get permission from Rarity ta go out. Yer faster than this thing anyway."

"Good point. But I'm actually fine here."

"Really? Ah thought ya would have wanted ta stretch your wings."

"I need to rest with that mishap with Pinkie." Dash turned over, and stretched her wings out. "By the way, why are you in my cabin?"

"It's our cabin. Rarity assigned it."

"Wait, Rari-" Dash sat up quickly. "She's the only one that knows what happened up deck, so she must be taunting us."

"Maybe." She picked up some lint, and rolled it in her fingers. "Wanna finish that off?"

"Eh?"

"What happened up deck. Ya know, you were comin' on to me, before Rarity stopped us."

"Oh, that." Dash lay back down, facing Applejack. "Later, maybe. I'm tired."

"Darnit." Applejack stood up, and stretched her arms. "Well, I'm gonna look around then. Wanna know where everything is before we hit something."

"You do that. I'm gonna nap." Dash closed her eyes, and heard her companion's footsteps as she left the room. She sighed, and turned to her other side. She found that uncomfortable, and turned around again. Still restless, she turned to her back, but her wings felt as if they were jolting into her back. This wasn't uncommon in avians, and usually happened in stressful situations. It was even harder when aroused, as the wings tended to fold out then become stiff, so lying on your back would be impossible, or at least painful.

"Why the heck can't I sleep?" She muttered to herself and sat up. "Seraphim damnit..." She walked over to the window, and saw the land slowly passing by, seeming darker the closer to the front of the ship it was.

"Well, might as well get some practise in."

* * *

Twilight slammed her head on the desk. Paperwork was so stressful, but she was the only one that could actually send it while they were moving at this speed into that dangerous an area. She didn't even know if she had to do this, but it was regulation, in fact something she set up since the War hit.

"I'm just shooting myself in the foot now." She pulled back, and checked the desk for whether her horn had damaged it. It hadn't, fortunately, so she picked the quill up, and pressed it to the blank sheet for the seventh time. As if it was on cue, there was a soft yet noticeable knock on the door. "Come in."

Rarity pushed the door open, looking a little frazzled. "Hello, Twilight."

"Hey. How's it going?"

"Trying to direct an entire airship can get the better of me, particularly with Pinkie running amok and investigating the ins and out of technology."

"Well, she's spent five years away from technological advancements. She's got as far as jet propulsion, but not centrifugal lift generators."

Rarity slumped on the bed, and let out a sigh. "I've ordered the crew to keep her away from the engines, but she's close to breaking their defence."

"Well, I bet I can hold her back some more."

"Thanks, Twilight." She looked to the floor, avoiding Twilight's gaze. "Can I tell you something? A kind of secret."

"Uh... Sure. Anything for a friend." Her heart pounded faster for some reason.

"Promise me you won't overreact."

"Where is this going?" She became flushed and lightheaded.

Rarity swallowed. "I-"

A klaxon blasted before Rarity could finish. A voice echoed over it.

"Incoming contacts to our bow. Head to your battle stations. Admiral to the bridge."

"Uh..."

Twilight still felt flustered. "You were saying?"

"It is going to have to wait, I'm afraid."

* * *

Pinkie was already at the bridge with Fluttershy when Rarity and Twilight rushed in. Within seconds, Rainbow and Applejack entered too.

"What's going on?" Dash grabbed Rarity, looking panicked.

"We've got incoming enemies. No idea who."

"It's the Chaos Army."

"Well, what do we expect?"

"Human-sized misshapen black constructs. These ones are likely to fly as well."

"Likely?"

"They could be carrying Grounded Ones. An attack pattern I came up with."

"I hope you made major errors, then." Twilight stated bluntly. "We don't want to be overwhelmed."

"Then maybe I shouldn't tell you what they do, then."

"Any information can help us."

"They're designed to overwhelm opponents, failing that, terrify them before they can attack properly. Of course, we haven't met overwhelming resistance before, so I can't say how good they will be against a fully-crewed airship with the Elements of Harmony at our helm."

"So we basically have to not get scared, and fight hard, then."

"That'll work."

Fluttershy shrieked, making the rest look to the window. A black swarm was materialising in front of them, and slowly approaching. Twilight cursed, and pulled her Magika Rifle from her back. The rest followed, the crew looking at Pinkie as she pulled out her blade.

"I think they'll head for the engines, guys." She leaped to the door, and placed her hand on the handle. "We'd better head there."

She yanked the door open, only to have a Chaos One, marked with a square face and one circular eye and another triangular one, finish forming from black energy.

"Discord sends his regard." It pointed an arm out, and blasts of red energy swarmed out, hitting the crew, but missing the Element users, who had dodged. Suddenly, more Chaos ones formed in the bridge, and surrounded the survivors. Fluttershy screamed, just as one reached for her, only to have its arm cut off by Pinkie's blade. It recoiled, and Pinkie struck its face. It emitted an inhuman scream, and dissolved into nothing. The rest started to move, only to be hit by the others, dissolving with similar but somehow different screams. The first one looked shocked, as much as it could with that misshapen metal plate as a face.

"Lady Diane?! When did you side with the enemy?"

"When Discord hurt my friend!" She thrust Cakecutter in its 'mouth', and emitted a gagging scream as it dissolved.

"Wow, they weren't hard to defeat." Dash looked around, and smiled. "Let's go-"

The ship rumbled, and an alert flashed on a nearby panel. Rarity shifted the body lying on the console gently, and looked at the reading.

"The upper front left engine has been hit." Her eyes widened as more alerts flashed. "And the right side just got hit- and the- wait, no-" She looked up at them in horror. "The entire engine array has been hit."

"So, what you're saying is that we're going to crash." Applejack said bluntly.

"I'm afraid so-" She turned to the console. "All the guns have been destroyed."

Twilight yelled. "WE'RE GOING TO CRASH!"

Rarity ignored the panicking unicorn, and held a button down. "All surviving crew, evacuate immediately. Hooves, make sure that any non-avian humans that can't escape are taken by some of your crew. Good luck. And don't be a hero, Trixie. Just get out of there, you'll be forgotten if you get killed here."

A reply sparked from the console, in Trixie's voice. "I'm not stupid, Admiral! Self-preservation overrides my sense of superiority. Is that Twilight carrying on?"

"Yes, it is." She turned. "I think Trixie wants to speak to you."

Twilight calmed down enough, and approached the console. "Yes, Captain?"

"Firstly, we have no times to address ranks, and secondly calm down. You're the Element of Magic; you'll survive better than me." She remained silent for a second. "Good luck."

"You too, Trixie."

"We have no time for ranks- wait. Did you just call me...?"

"Yes I did. Get out of here before a Chaos One kills you."

"So that's what they're called. Well, see you later." The comm flickered out.

"I think she likes you." Applejack bluntly announced. "Let's go. How do we get off?"

"I have glider packs, so we can glide over to the origin."

"Wait a sec!" Dash stopped her. "We're heading over there?"

"We've still got a mission to complete." Twilight pointed out.

"Besides, we've got the Elements protecting us." Pinkie added. "They can't hurt us."

"Oh." Dash looked at Rarity. "Where are the gliders?"

"Over there." She pointed to a cabinet in the room. Dash walked up and opened it.

"There's only two here!"

"Well, you can fly faster than the ship anyway. And Pinkie has one too."

"And if Fluttershy can't fly, I can carry her."

"That still leaves someone without a pack."

Rarity looked to the console, hands firmly planted on the desk. "Twilight and Applejack can take them."

"But what about you?!" Twilight blurted out. "What will you do?!"

"I can try to stop the Dauntless from crashing too badly."

"What's the point? Can't one of us carry you?"

"I'll just slow Dash down, and those packs can only go faster that the ship with one person, meaning that the ship will crash into us."

"Can't Pinkie take you too?"

"I won't be able to take off with two people, not at this speed." Pinkie said, looking down sadly. Her hair, still straight, appeared to darken.

"So it looks like I'll have to stay here."

"But-" Rarity placed her finger on Twilight's lips, halting her completely.

"I'll be fine, dear. I can control this ship easily." She pulled back, and pulled out a gun. She aimed to the windows, and blasted them open. "Go now. Before the ship crashes."

The group headed to the window, Dash unfurling her wings as she leapt out, followed by Applejack swinging on her pack, then Pinkie holding Fluttershy, screaming the glider out. Twilight headed to the window, and halted.

"Back at the cabin, what were you going to say?"

"I'll tell you when I meet up with you. And I think you already know." She flashed her a cheeky grin, then pointed out. "Now, go before we both die, because you were distracting me from controlling the ship."

"Don't you have a glider?"

"They were all used up during evacuation. The console has links to them. Now go."

Twilight looked to the slowly approaching ground, the sadly back at Rarity, before leaping off, her glider unfurling and firing off its jets. Rarity looked at them with sad joy, and then flipped a switch. A wheel, similar to the ones on old water-based ships, sprung out, accompanied by a few levers of similar design. Just because this was a military ship, one didn't need to drop style.

"Well," She said to herself as she manned the wheel. "Good luck, Rarity."

* * *

Applejack's glider cut out first. It glided, as it should, sending her to a slow descent to the ground. She landed softly, with Dash landing next to her, then Pinkie nearly crashing.

"Howdy."

"Hey, AJ." Dash said, panting. "Where's Twilight?"

"Probably sayin' final words to Rarity. Ah don't think she's gonna make it, personally."

"She's an Element user!" Pinkie yelled as she tossed the glider off, which smashed into the ground, then dissolved. Fluttershy dusted herself off. "She'll be fine."

"Probably. But I still have a bad feeling."

"We shouldn't tell Twilight about that, though."

"Agreed." A scream of terror started growing into hearing. "Speaking of which, here she is."

Twilight attempted landing, but botched it, tumbling over herself several times. When she eventually stopped, the glider was in pieces.

"Did I make it?"

Dash suppressed her laughter. "Yes, but I'd give you a 1 out of 10."

"It wasn't that bad." Pinkie jutted in. "At least a 4."

"Uh, we don't need to make this a debate." Applejack stated, and ripped the harness off Twilight. "There ya go, sugarcube."

"Thanks, Applejack." She stood up, and dusted her uniform. Her eyes suddenly focussed intently on the crashing airship, which suddenly had wings sprouting from it, angling it slowly to a safe level.

Almost.

The Dauntless hit the ground, tearing up several square kilometres under its entire bulk. It tilted slightly, and one of its wings clipped a mountain that wasn't there a few hours earlier. It went into a slow spin, and then it flipped up, crashing on its top before bouncing back and impaling its left wing through its body. The sheer mass of the thing kept it going, and the other wing broke into the hull.

Nothing happened for a second, except for it still scraping along the ground. Without warning, an explosion tore the hull open, followed by several more, as the engines and missile pods detonated. The ship splintered apart like glass hit with a hammer, and what was left was sent into a blaze which tore it down in moments. A large splinter, the size of two humans, landed mere metres from them, with several shards raining down over the remaining stretch of land.

"Oh my Seraphim..." Fluttershy squeaked. Twilight dropped to her knees, blankly staring over the wreckage. Applejack doffed her hat, and the others lowered their heads. Twilight slammed her palms into the ground, her head low.

"Why..." She said quietly, and her shoulders started spasming. She broke out into loud sobbing, and fell to the ground. The rest were hit with a sudden wave of sadness, most likely literally generated by Twilight, and in their own way felt sorrow.

Without any warning save for a slight twisting of reality, several Chaos Ones surrounded them. They were larger than previously encountered ones, and had a third arm each. Pinkie was the only one that noticed, and reached for her blade just as the Chaos Ones raised their bladed arms to strike. One of their heads suddenly violently erupted in a spray of black liquid which quickly dissolved, as well as the Chaos One itself. The others looked up to the direction of the strike, and another was hit in the head from another angle. The remaining four Chaos Ones raised their arms, which changed to some sort of twisted gun, and pointed at both areas. Pinkie leaped up and slashed one of them through the body and head, then used her momentum to stun another. Dash and Applejack recovered by this time, and they took on one each. Dash flapped up and stormed one of them with plasma, while Applejack grabbed another's face and yanked it off. The last one only got one shot off, when it was blasted from the second angle, which it wasn't aiming at, and broke down. All of them looked over to where the blasts had come from, except Twilight, who was still trapped in sorrow. Energy started coiling in the area in front of her, and she looked up, eyes blurry. The energy formed into a human shape, then flashed. The person standing there smiled.

"I said that I would make it."

Twilight rubbed her eyes and saw Rarity, hair uncurled and damp, holding a long sniper rifle and an unusual backpack which had four energy coils sparking randomly. She slipped the backpack off, and slung the rifle on her shoulder. "Sorry I'm late, darling."

"R... Rarity?!" Twilight outburst, leaping up. "How did you-"

"Teleporter pack. Found it somewhere. Forgot completely about it until a minute ago."

"Couldn't you already teleport?" Dash inquired.

"I'm afraid not."

"Yer hair is not all fancy as it was a minute ago." Applejack added.

"A pipe broke above me. And we don't have time to style our hair."

"Ya got a point. Let's go."

"Give me a moment." She dropped to the ground. "I just survived near death, and the teleports aren't very comfortable."

Twilight dropped next to her. "So, Rarity..."

"Yes, dear?" She thought for a second. "Oh yes, I was going to tell you that I-"

She was halted by Twilight. Twilight's lips pressed on hers, her eyes closed. Over the sound of her heartbeat, she heard gasps and two wings bursting open. Twilight eventually pulled back, and looked at her with embarrassment.

She chuckled quietly. "I like you."

Rarity looked at her with wide eyes. She stuttered for words, but couldn't form anything.

"I'm sorry if I upset you..."

Rarity's shocked expression changed to a huge grin. "Why would I be upset? You just caught me by surprise, that's all."

"So you like me t-"

Applejack cleared her throat loudly. "Sorry ta intterupt ya lovebirds, but we've gotta save Equestria. Make out later."

The two of them giggled. "Sorry. Got carried away."

"Darn right ya did."

Rarity got up first, and then helped Twilight up. "Well, shall we get going?"

"Of course!" Dash yelled, annoyed. "We're losing daylight as we speak!"

"It's 9 in the morning. We've got a whole day of light."

Dash hovered, speechless. "Well, it's certainly darker here."

"I guess it is. Come on."

* * *

The Chaos One's head ruptured, and ragdolled as it was dissolving. Pinkie shifted her Plasma Cannon to her shoulder, and grinned.

"That's one for me."

"This sucks!" Dash wailed, obviously tired. "That's the twelfth group today, and we've only half way there!"

"He must be desperate to get us." Twilight stated. "At least we've been good enough so far."

A black mass started forming in front of them, growing into an object at least ten times the size of a normal Chaos One. It loomed over the six girls, a misshapen face glaring at Pinkie mostly.

"Lady Diane."

"Tlarnex?"

Fluttershy, who had been hiding behind Pinkie the whole time, looked at her. "T-Tlarnex?"

"He's the head of the Chaos Army, at least now he is." Pinkie gently pushed her aside, and looked up to the massive construct. "Can I help you?"

"Discord is very disappointed, and has sent me to stop you."

"Not gonna happen!" Dash said, flew up and blasted him in the faceplate with her rifle. To her surprise, the storm had hardly dinted him, let alone killed him outright. He pulled his arm back and smashed her to the ground.

"You have two options, Lady Diane. Return to the army, or die with these weaklings."

Pinkie glared at him, and raised her rifle to his head. "Don't insult my friends."

"Hmm..." He grinned evilly. "I see you have mostly reverted back to your pre-war state. Ah well." A swirl of dark energy surrounded him and he started laughing. "I've got a technique that will stop you immediately." He suddenly shattered, the energy creating a circle between his gears and pistons.

"What are you-" Twilight started, but her sentence was halted by the sight of five figures emerging from the swirling black energy, looking very grey. What surprised her most is that they took the forms of her friends. Once the figures had fully emerged, the construct reformed himself, smaller than normal, but no less threatening. He turned to the first figure, a grey version of Rarity.

"Rarity, that version of you-" It pointed to the original Rarity, who was in utter shock. "-has colour, which belongs to you." He shifted over to a duplicate of Rainbow, who turned her head away from him as he approached.

"Rainbow Dash, that clone is weaker than you. Prove that you are better than her on your own than she is." He went to the Fluttershy duplicate, who was brandishing a knife.

"Fluttershy, see that version of yourself?" He pointed to Fluttershy, who cowered behind Pinkie. "She's far too weak to exist. Deal with her." It leapt next to the Applejack duplicate.

"Applejack, I want you to fight your other version. Use any trick necessary." He grinned, and then turned to the Pinkie duplicate.

"Pinkamena... Well, you know. Just fight your other version. She laughed at you." He took to the air, and then crashed in front of Twilight. "I'll deal with you."

The first to head off from the greyed forms was Fluttershy, who attempted to tackle the real one, only to be knocked back by Pinkie. Before Pinkie could strike ChaosFluttershy, ChaosPinkie kicked her in the gut, sending her flying. ChaosDash went at full speed to Dash, who dodged it easily.

"You'll never be as fast as me!" Dash said, and took off high, landing on a floating rock. ChaosDash skidded to a halt, and took off after her. ChaosRarity ran blade-first at Rarity, who masterfully blocked it with her own sword.

"Give me your colour!" ChaosRarity screeched, and swing wildly, but to no avail. Rarity raised her sword up, but stopped as she recognised the face on her attacker. ChaosRarity took a swing across Rarity's torso, making her drop her sword and recoiling. She grabbed Rarity's sword, and wildly slashed at her duplicate, only to have it blocked by magic every time. Applejack swung a huge punch at ChaosApplejack, who leant back and kicked her in the leg. Applejack hardly budged, and grabbed her by the back-mounted motor. Before she could drive her into the ground, ChaosApplejack grabbed Applejack by her long hair and pulled hard. Applejack yelled in pain, and dropped ChaosApplejack, who kicked her in the unarmoured stomach. Applejack recoiled, and clutched her gut, only to be uppercut, hit in the stomach, then uppercut again, starting a vicious cycle. Applejack broke the pattern when she blocked one of uppercuts, and twisted her duplicate's arm, sounds of metal crunching and bone straining mixing with the scream of ChaosApplejack. ChaosApplejack swung her free arm at Applejack's head, stunning her and starting a new cycle.

Elsewhere, Twilight fired a bolt of magic from her hand, only to have it blocked by Tlarnex's own, sending them into a lock. Fluttershy, meanwhile, was desperately trying to dodge ChaosFluttershy's backhand knife swings, a twisted, cruel grin on her face. Pinkie and ChaosPinkie were bladelocked, ChaosPinkie's sword a dark, twisted version of Pinkie's. Pinkie grinned as she gained the upper hand, only to be pushed back by ChaosPinkie.

"Stop smiling!" Chaos Pinkie screamed, obviously angry.

"Nah, I'm good." Pinkie flipped the bladelock out, and leapt back, only to land on ChaosFluttershy. An idea sparked in her head a moment after.

"Guys! Don't attack your duplicates! Attack another's!" She leapt off ChaosFluttershy, and kicked her away from Fluttershy.

Rarity looked away from her attacker, still blocking with a shield spell. "I'll take Fluttershy!"

Dash soared down, and crashed into ChaosPinkie. Applejack tossed her duplicate away, and ran into the falling ChaosDash, smashing her into the ground. Rarity pushed ChaosRarity back, and grabbed her sword. She ran to Fluttershy's evil version, and struck across her shoulder. ChaosFluttershy screamed in agony, and dissolved into darkness. Twilight broke her duel, dodged the resulting blast, and pulled her rifle out. She aimed at ChaosRarity, and pulled the trigger, a stream of magic energy dissolving her into nothing. Rainbow pulled her combat knife out, and thrust it into ChaosPinkie's throat, then pulled back as she started dissolving. ChaosDash struggled to get up from under Applejack's immense weight, and Applejack smiled.

"Ah, sugarcube. I've always wanted ta hit ya this hard!" She pulled her arm back, and smashed it down on ChaosDash's head with the force of a freight train. It would have made a huge, gory, grey mess, but instead black smoke took its place. Pinkie pulled her flamethrower out, and ignited ChaosApplejack. The fuel tanks ignited as the almost-sentient fire worked its way through the armoured case, and ChaosApplejack almost literally exploded into gas. Tlarnex looked over, shocked.

"What- how did- That wasn't supposed to happen!"

Fluttershy stood up, and looked at the construct, standing at three times her height, and about seven of her width. She glared at him, and he almost literally cowered from her gaze.

"Don't. EVER! Hurt my friends!" She yelled, and flicked a hidden knife from her wrist. She walked up to Tlarnex, who seemed to shrink as she got closer.

"No, wait! I'm sorry! I-I-I was ordered to!"

Pinkie grinned sadistically. "Actually, he wasn't. He only took it as a suggestion."

"She lies! Don't believe her!"

Fluttershy still glared at him, and pulled her arm over her shoulder. She was in range for striking, and Tlarnex had seemed to pick on this.

"Hey, relax, Tlarnex. Your mind will dissolve back into the Chaos One's energy source." Pinkie said, picking earwax from her ear while leaning on her flamethrower.

"I AM THE ENERGY SOURCE! FOR DISCORD AND THE SERAPHIM SISTER'S SAKE, DON'T KILL ME!"

"You're a machine." Fluttershy said darkly, and slashed him right across his misshapen faceplate. He screamed through the entire audio range, and started burning intensely. He slumped down, as his form literally burned into nothing, leaving only a real metal version of his faceplate. Fluttershy breathed deeply, and flicked her knife back into her sweater's sleeve.

Twilight stared at her in surprise. "When did you become that...?"

"Badflank." Dash said bluntly, checking her knife for damage.

"I was going to say skilled."

Fluttershy turned back, with a sweet, innocent smile. "I've been practicing. I honestly hoped that I would never have to use my knife."

"Well, either way, well done, darling." Rarity smiled, and checked her still-unstyled hair. "Oh, this is going to take forever to fix."

"We have more important matters, Rarity!" Dash yelled, almost directly in her face. "We've gotta defeat Discord!"

"We can take our time, dear. We just stopped the Chaos Army, so we'll be safe until we reach-"

"Actually, Tlarnex was part of Discord. We have to be there quick." Pinkie stated. She snapped her fingers. "Aha!"

"What?"

"Let's take a modified jet! I've got one ready to be altered."

"Why didn't you take one sooner?" Dash cried out. "We could've used it earlier!"

"Because we needed to defeat the Chaos Army, so we wouldn't be swamped when we got to Discord."

"BUT HE'S GETTING HIS POWER BACK!"

"He would've gotten his power back sooner with the Army there." Energy shot out of Pinkie's back, and shifted in front to her

"What is that Seraphim-awful noise?" Rarity said, watching the pink energy take form.

"It's kinda like the metal of the jet is scraping against reality. You haven't noticed before?"

"I haven't heard it before. The others, maybe, but I haven-"

The jet had finished forming, and hovered there as the six girls looked over it.

"Well, let's go."

* * *

A wave of energy woke Discord from his pleasant nap. He stretched his entire body, and looked around. Yes, the circular hall with the throne in the middle works much better than the square one with the throne close to the far end. He felt somewhat hollow, but knew that the girls would easily defeat Tlarnex. The energy would reach him before they got close enough, so he had nothing to worry abo-

Without warning, a large metal flying thing crashed through his nice hall's wall, and skidded along the ground in front of him. His smile dropped instantly.

"Oh dear."

The cockpit burst open, and Pinkie leapt out. The other five made their way out, and stood in some formation.

"Well hello, girls. How can I help-"

"Hold your tongue!" Dash yelled.

"Well, that's not very nice."

"Enough!" Twilight glared at him, and her canister glowed. "We have to stop you!"

"Alright then, ladies. Go ahead."

"Wait, are you giving up so easily?"

"As much as I hate being locked in stone, I'm weak at the moment, so you've got me at a perfect time."

"Are you stalling?"

"If you want me to. Regardless, you'll win, and I want to look good." He changed to a rather unnecessary pose. "How's this?"

"Uh..." Pinkie looked dumbfounded. "Aren't we going to have a battle? We were kinda expecting one."

"I don't like fighting. It's hardly fun. Besides, you already had a hard battle before, and I don't want to tire you."

"But what about a climax?"

"When you first defeated me, there was hardly any tension caused when you arrived, completely reset. It was all set before."

"Can someone make sense here?" Applejack interrupted.

"Look, never mind. I don't want to make too much fuss. Go ahead. Besides, being locked in stone only hurts when you are being changed."

"What if we don't lock you in stone? What if we kill you outright?"

"Oh, that's not possible. Some of my energy will survive, and regrow afterwards. You can't have order without chaos." He leaned closer. "And I'd return sooner."

"Enough of this!" Twilight started drawing energy, and a field of magic formed around her. The others lifted up, eyes closed. Their eyes opened, glowing with magic power, and a rainboom shattered the room completely. A rainbow, tipped with white fire, rose to the sky, and aimed down, and rushed to Discord. The lord of chaos merely grinned, and the rainbow crashed into the ground. Twilight stopped it immediately, and they fell to the ground slowly.

"Why did we stop early?" Fluttershy squeaked.

Dash suddenly screamed in pain, and fell from her flying state. An evil laugh burst out behind her, and the rest saw Discord, holding a staff of yellow energy.

"What the-"

"I lied. It's so much fun when you trust me, only to have it broken."

Pinkie pulled out her Plasma cannon, and held the trigger down. Discord blocked all the shots by spinning the staff, catching the thousands of bolts on it.

"Nice try." He swung his tail into Pinkie, who was sent flying. "You know, I think I like the idea of an epic battle. It'll be fun!" He swung the staff down hard onto Applejack, who blocked it with her arms.

"It seems yer fancy energy doesn't harm metal."

"I know." He thrust his clawed hand into Applejack, who was knocked back, crashing into rubble. He spun the staff around, and flicked it into Rarity's blade's path, to her surprise. He pushed her back, and flicked Fluttershy away. He approached Twilight, and bypassed her shield spell, knocking her away. He lifted himself to the air, and laughed.

Pinkie looked up at him, and scowled.

"I hate you!" She screamed at the top of her lungs.

"And I don't hate you." He hovered above her, and piledrived himself to the ground. Pinkie rolled, but the resulting shockwave hit her. She was sent crashing into the recovering Dash, knocking them both to the ground. Discord rose up, black smoke starting to coil around him, and he once again broke into laughter. "My lord, this is fun!"

Without him knowing, bolts of blue energy hit the energy coiling around him, trapping sections in glowing blue spheres. He held his laughter, and looked to the origin, only to be blasted in the face with white energy. He fell to the ground, and crashed uncomfortably close to Twilight. She and Discord looked up, and saw two large-winged figures descend from the broken roof.

"What gives?" Discord cried out, watching Celestia land softly, then Luna.

"We're trying to stop you, Discord."

"Oh come on." He stood back up, and cricked his neck. "That's not fun."

"WE DO NOT CARE ABOUT THY'S FUN! ONLY THAT OUR GLORI-"

"For our sake, stop yelling! I can hardly hear myself think!"

Luna drew in a huge breath, and then released a shockwave that send Discord flying. He picked himself up, and glared at them.

"So you wanna do this the hard way? Fine!" He drew in an equally large breath, releasing an equally powerful shockwave that knocked Luna off her feet. Celestia watched her crash, and then glared at the laughing Discord. She gathered energy around her horn, and hit him with the intensity of a thousand suns. She stopped it after a few seconds, and Discord dusted off himself. He wrapped energy around his gloved hand, and blasted her with an equally chaotic energy. Celestia screamed in pain, before raising a shield, the black storm wrapping around it. Discord halted the flow, and scowled.

"Damn you, Princess. At least you're making this a challenge."

Luna picked herself up, and put her hand to her back. A black energy flashed from her back, and she pulled out a large, dark blue blade. Rising to full height, she swung it across the ground, breaking it in a display of power.

"THOU SHALT NOT SURVIVE THIS ENCOUNTER!" She yelled, and charged full-on. Discord flashed out of her sight, and her wide swing crashed into the remaining wall, shattering it into a million smoking pieces. Luna glanced back, and raised the massive sword to block the glowing staff slamming into it. Discord pulled back, and tried for a low swing, only to be blocked. He broke into turbo speed, only to be blocked every time, almost at an impossible speed.

Discord broke off. "When did you become so good?"

"We have been training. War prepares one for everything."

"Damn Seraph."

"You will never win, Discord." Celestia pulled her own blade with a flash of sunlight. "We've only provided a distraction."

"What?!"

Celestia glanced to the girls, who had recovered and were watching the battle. "Use the Elements now!" She turned to Discord again, who was grinning.

"I can just teleport again, you know."

She returned the grin, prompting a raised eyebrow. "Not with this." She yelled Luna's name, then said something in a language no one had heard for millennia. Luna took a second to register, but then nodded and raised her arm. Celestia pointed her finger at Discord, a yellow energy wrapping around it. Luna's arm, now in the same position, had a dark blue energy, only prompting Discord to laugh.

"What are you doing?"

The Seraph responded only by wrapping him in energy, binding him. He looked at the binds, and only laughed.

"These won't stop me!" He stopped laughing. "Just give me a-" He strained. "What the..."

"We've binded you in place. You can't move." Luna said, still holding a death glare.

"Oh, crap."

"Now!" Celestia turned to Twilight and her friends.

Twilight once again gathered energy around her body, and launched out to the others. They rose into the air, with Discord wide-eyed.

"Wait! Stop!"

The energy continued to spin around the six of them. A rainboom exploded from the centre, destroying what little remained of the slowly-regenerating hall. A rainbow arced from the outburst, rising straight into the pink cloud-filled sky, clearing it, then arced down and smashed into Discord. Discord screamed in agony, as his body slowly petrified, the sound of crumbling stone filling the air. His scream became muffled, and he crashed to the ground, as a statue.

The girls slowly dropped to the ground. Twilight ran to the Princess, in a full-on tackle hug. "Thank you! Without your help-"

"It's alright. We'll celebrate this back at Ponyville." Celestia unfurled her wings, and lifted off the ground. She gave her arm to Twilight. "Come with me."

Twilight grabbed Celestia's arm, and was hauled up.

"I assume that the rest of you can take yourself there. Meet me in the library."

Pinkie pushed aside the curtain to a massive crowd, cheering intensely, calling out their names between the sheer noise. The crowd had come from all over Equestria, and was larger than any other crowd she had seen. Celestia turned back, and waved them over, grinning like the sun she raised every day.

Twilight glanced at the others, and stepped forwards, past the curtains and onto the stage. The others moved next to her, and a chorus of cheers erupted from the crowd.

"Citizens of Equestria," Celestia started. "These brave women have saved our land from the rule of Chaos, from everlasting torment, and bring harmony to us all!" She unfurled her wings to look more imposing, an age-old Seraph reflex that had survived the Cataclysm. "And with harmony, the Empire and the Republic are now one, the Equestrian Kingdom!"

This was met with another chorus. Celestia glanced back to Luna. "Has the Army been sent to check the Chaos-controlled lands yet?"

Luna nodded. "The General himself wanted to go, so I let him."

Celestia smiled her reply, and turned back to the crowd. "Now, we can't ever stop conflict, nor minor chaotic events, but these girls have prevented Equestria from falling into utter chaos, and we have to thank them for that." She turned to Luna once again. "Do you have anything to add?"

Luna was about to speak, when a scroll formed in front of her. She snatched it out of the air, and yanked it open. "Actually, I do."

She walked up to the front, taking Celestia's place. She inhaled, and switched to the Traditional Royal Canterlot Voice. "WE HAVE RECIEVED WORD THAT YOUR TOWNS HAVE BEEN RETURNED TO THEIR NORMAL STATE, AND ARE FREE TO MOVE BACK INTO!" She closed her eyes, and lowered her tone. "And now, a minute silence for those that we've lost over the five years."

The bustling crowd dropped to absolute silence.

Twilight entered the library, and was greeted by a tackle hug from Spike.

"Twilight! You're ok!"

"Just a bruise or two. How's it been?"

Spike pulled back. "Until a week ago, terrible, but livable."

"A week ago?" Twilight glanced at Apple Bloom, who was looking at Spike in a... particular way.

"Me and Apple Bloom... Well... We-"

"No need to go on. What about your crush on Rarity?"

"Five years apart can break the spell of love, or amplify it." He leaned closer. Spike was nearly as tall as Twilight now, which kinda startled her. "I mean, she's still beautiful, but..."

"Well, that makes things easier for me."

"Eh?" Spike glanced at Bloom, and then looked at Twilight.

"Rarity and I, we kinda fell in love."

Spike nearly incinerated something, he was in that much shock. "WHAT?!"

Twilight blushed, and looked at her feet. She glanced up at Spike, who stared at her with wide eyes.

"You... and-"

"Sorry if I upset you." She looked back up, looking very apologetic.

"No, no, it's fine, just that... Well, I didn't think you and Rarity would..."

Bloom walked up, and slapped her hand on Spike's left shoulderblade. "There's no understandin' human nature, Spike. It's like how you dropped your crush on Rarity."

Spike remained silent for a few seconds, scratching his chin in a thoughtful manner. "A valid point."

"Well, we've got a fair amount to catch up on, so why don't we do so?"

* * *

Sweetie Belle was kicking a stone outside Carousel Boutique, which had been closed since her sister joined the Empire's military. She saw movement out of the corner of her eye, halting her in mid swing. A familiar shape walked almost in silhouette up to her, the setting sun glinting off her polished boots, and through hair that had seen better. Sweetie dashed towards Rarity, the silhouette, and leapt into her arms. Rarity, after recoiling from the impact, returned it.

"Hello, sister." She said, on the brink of tearful joy. "I've missed you."

Sweetie let go, and stood a step back to get a larger view. "Why are you in uniform still?"

"Oh, this?" She held her cape up loosely. "I haven't had the time to change yet. In fact, I was on my way here to do just that."

"Sorry I couldn't look after the shop while you were away." She looked a mix between joy and shame. "But I had to avoid the army."

"I understand." She held her hand to her chin, in a thoughtful pose she often had when she was working. "May I ask what you did, all those years?"

Sweetie Belle jumped up, and proceeded to tell her of her adventures in the Everfree Village, how she discovered her talent in music (lifting her sleeve up to show her Cutie Mark), and how Scootaloo and her ended up liking each other.

"You and your avian friend?" She seemed fairly shocked. "And what of Apple Bloom?"

"Oh, she and Spike-"

"Spike? Last I remember, he had a crush on me..."

"It's been five years, sis."

"Well, either way, I have to get changed. I shall tell you what I did during the War afterwards."

* * *

"Hey, Big Mac!" Applejack called out, through the practically dead orchard. "Ya here?"

"AJ, I don't think he'd be there." Dash said, unimpressed. "The whole place has been empty for five damn years!"

"Oh." She looked underjoyed, cursing herself for not realising that sooner. "Let's check the barn-"

"Ya called?" McIntosh walked out of the barn, followed by an aged Granny Smith.

Applejack ran up to McIntosh, and ran into him with enough force to knock over a normal man. Of course, McIntosh was built like a truck, so he weathered the tackle hug easily. Dash merely hovered in place, slightly shocked at his sturdy nature.

"Oh Big Mac, Ah've missed you!" She pushed herself off him, and hugged Granny Smith in a massively softer way. She looked around for her sister, who was nowhere to be found. "Where's Apple Bloom?"

"She's with Spike."

"Why would she be with Spike? Doesn't she wanna greet her sister?"

"Dunno why. Maybe because they like each other now?"

Applejack stammered. "Wha- Bu- Uh... Spike has-" Dash merely laughed.

"Why ya so shocked, AJ?"

"Ah thought Spike liked Rarity." She seemed quite shocked, which only made it harder for Dash to take her seriously. "And he ain't even human!"

"He's a Draco! They're quite human-like, if I recall."

"But he's got fangs and scales!"

"I've got wings. I'm classified as human."

"But-"

"Look, AB likes him, and that's OK by me." She changed her look from annoyed to perverted. "Besides, you don't have to worry too much about her, just me."

McIntosh looked at her with wide eyes. "So, you and sis are-"

"NO!" Applejack blurted out, panicking a fair amount. "Well, yes, but- We ain't worked anything out yet!"

He dropped his eyes back to normal. "Ah see. Well, Ah've gotta go do some cleanin' now, so you two lovebirds-" He said, with a glint of humour in his voice. "-Go an' do somethin'. Barn's free." He prodded Granny Smith, who had somehow dropped into a sleep-like state. "C'mon, Gran."

The two of them walked off, leaving the flustered Applejack and the grinning Rainbow in the middle of the path.

"So..." Dash said, trailing off to the next sentence. "Barn?"

Applejack pulled her hat over her eyes, showing her embarrassment. "Why?"

"It's free. Besides..." She dropped next to her, and grabbed her arm. "I know you like me."

Applejack looked down, and scraped her boot in an arc on the dirt. "Alrighty then..."

* * *

Scootaloo soared in the sky, glad to be in safe air again. She spotted Sweetie Belle talking with her sister, and decided to come back later to say hi. She continued scanning the ground, spotting many people she recognised. When she flew over the farm, she saw her idol, Rainbow Dash, next to Applejack. She folded her arms to her side, and swooped down to the ground, landing with a natural agility she had worked over through her training as a Wonderbolt.

Dash barely heard Scootaloo, but felt the gust of wind as she landed close behind her. Scootaloo bounded over, using her wings to speed her up, and leapt onto Dash.

"Hey Dash!" She said, overjoyed. "Man, I missed you!"

"Scoots?" Dash seemed shocked to have the younger avian practically crawling over her. "Whatcha doin' here, and not with the Wonderbolts?"

"I've always liked you more that the rest of them." She let go, still holding her shoulders. "You're like the sister I never had, so yeah."

"Don't worry, we can catch up much later. I've got some..." She glanced at Applejack, who was further hiding herself from everyone else. "... Things I need to do."

"What, on AJ's farm?" Scootaloo crossed her arms and thought. Her wings suddenly burst open, after realising what she truly meant. "Oh."

"What's up?"

Scoots switched to a panicked state. "Nothing! Nothing's up!" She broke into false laughter. "I've gotta go!" She leapt up into the air, and fell on her face when her wings didn't work properly. She picked herself up, and laughed. "I meant to do that!" She took off properly on her second go, and flew off rather jerkily.

Dash waited for the orange-winged avian to fly off, before she spoke again.

"Well, that was odd..."

* * *

"Hi, Mr Cake!" Pinkie said, pushing the door open forcefully. "I'm back!"

Mr Cake walked from the kitchen, and dropped the tray of muffins he had in his hands. "Pinkie?"

"Hey!" She said with a wave. "How's it going?"

"I honestly didn't expect you to come back. And I'm good, thanks for asking."

"Who is it, dear?" Mrs Cake's voice rang out from the kitchen.

"It's Pinkie."

A sound of clattering rolled from the kitchen. "What, really?"

"Yeah. Oh, and that shy avian friend of hers."

"Fluttershy."

He snapped his fingers. "That's it! Always forget that name..."

"Well, I'm gonna head upstairs now, so..." Pinkie went up before anyone could stop her, and she approached her old room. What she saw caused her to stop in her tracks.

The whole room was empty. Her bookshelves, filled with obscure recipes and mechanics, were gone. Her party table was missing, as was her own bed. Her near-endless supply of party equipment was gone, along with her old blueprints of random things she was going to build. The only thing of hers that remained up there was a bucket, which was rusted and dinted beyond recognition. A layer of dust coated the entire floor, and the bed that had been placed there, almost directly where she had her own, was a plain white.

She ran part-way down the stairs, full of rage. "WHERE THE HELL IS MY STUFF?!"

"You left Ponyville years ago. We couldn't keep your stuff, so we... well..."

"Threw it out."

Pinkie yelled in rage, and kicked the railing. "I had recipes and plans and all sorts of stuff, and you just tossed it in the freakin' garbage?! What the hell sort of person wastes all that useful stuff!" She ran up back up the stairs, and leapt on the bed, sending a wave dust into the air. She turned the pillow over, and screamed loudly into it, muffling it enough to stop everyone in the town hearing it, but not the others in the store. She continued sobbing into it loudly, her avian friend with a look of concern on her face.

"I'm sorry, Mrs Cake." She said softly, somehow audible between Pinkie's moans of despair.

"What are you sorry for?" She inquired. "You weren't the one who threw her stuff out." Another scream, as if she heard her.

"For bringing her here before heading to my own place." She looked nervously at the ground.

"She would have overreacted either way." Mr Cake added. "But she is making quite the racket."

"Um..." She squeaked. "Maybe I can try and calm her down?"

"Be my guest, dearie. Just be careful."

* * *

After a quick steeling of her nerves, she slowly made her way up the stairs. She coughed as dust, which was floating in the air, made contact with her airway, but continued on through. Pinkie had calmed down enough to stop her loud wailing, but was still buried in the pillow, her body jerking with every sob. Fluttershy tried flying above the ground, but stopped as clouds of dust were thrown up into the air, so she continued on foot. She gently sat on the other side of the bed softly, and placed her hand on Pinkie's back. Her gesture of kindness was knocked back by a slap from Pinkie's hand, yet her face still remained in the pillow.

"Don't touch me!" She yelled, and for a moment her sobs gained a decibel or ten. Fluttershy ignored the short sting in her hand, but refrained from touching Pinkie.

"It's ok, Pin-"

Pinkie pulled her face from the pillow, and drew her own face close to hers. "It's NOT ok! My entire life before this freakin' war is gone! My books! My plans! Even my own bed-" She gestured to the bed the two of them were on. "- is gone! I have nothing anymore!"

Fluttershy grabbed Pinkie's shoulders. "That's not true! You have-"

"It is totally true! What could I have left, other than that... pitiful ghost of a bucket there?"

"Me."

Pinkie's eyes widened. "What do you me-"

Fluttershy interrupted her rant with a press of her lips to Pinkie's. She drew back slowly, and looked at the shocked look on her face.

"I love you, Pinkamena Diane Pie."

Pinkie couldn't bring herself to speak. A slight whine filled the air, as her hair started shaking. "Y-you... love me?"

Fluttershy looked away, sheepishly. "Um... Yes."

The whine grew in volume. It had been over five years since it had fallen flat, but the positive energy field was slowly restoring.

"Are you ok?"

Pinkie was still in a state of shock, trying to string words together faster than she could manage. Her hair suddenly burst out with a field of energy, coils of it flailing in the air and tangling with others. It soon became a tangled mess, and the energy subsided quickly. Fluttershy looked at the somewhat familiar shape of it, longer than she had remembered.

"Pinkie!" She grabbed a small tuft of it, which was tangled to the rest of it. "Your hair's back!"

Pinkie looked at Fluttershy, and grinned a smile larger than any she had in years. She wrapped her arms around the avian. "I can't thank you enough, Fluttershy!"

Fluttershy pulled herself from Pinkie's tight grasp with a small amount of effort, and grinned almost equally.

"And, for the record-" Pinkie continued. "I love you too, Fluttershy." She snapped her fingers. "We should have a party!"

"But what about your party gear?"

"I'll buy some more. But I was meaning something else." She placed her forehead on the avian's, and spoke softly. "A 'Private party'. Just us two, and this bed."

Fluttershy's wings burst open, and she squeaked.

"Don't worry, 'Shy. I'll be gentle." She placed her lips on the avian's, and the two of them lied down, arms around each other, in an impenetrable embrace.

THE END