The Great Equestrian War

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