Is all Hope Lost?

Back in Zebrica, it was good that Spike, Zecora, Discord, and eland King Imari got some help from a hers of black rhinos that looked like loving tanks against anything that might stand in their way, except for elephants of course.

With this, they hoped they will get more rhinos besides Kifaru and his crash to join them.

All of a sudden, they were ambushed by a large elephant that looked like he was going to charge at all of them in full zeal, and it made a low grunt sound.

"Stand back! Stand back!" Said Imari. "It was only a mock charge. Elephants only do that to scare you off."

"What should we do?" Asked Spike.

"I'll take care of this big-eared behemoth." Discord stepped up, creating a magical sword out of thin air from his magic.

He was about to charge at them but then Zecora stopped by bu barking the word "NO! We need to respect the animals and their nature."

Discord was very reluctant and hated being told what to do to other countries he calls "inferior", but he knew that helping his friends (mostly Fluttershy) was more important than anything in the world to him. So, he promptly made the sword disappear and he reluctantly awaited instructions to avoid this Bush elephant.

"Of course, right here is where we cannot stay." Said Zecora. "I have dealt with elephants before, so let's just slowly back away."

"Good idea." Said Spike. The others just slowly, and steadily went around the gigantic bull elephant, still looking quite fierce and intimidating to them, for he was one of the biggest land mammals in the world.

So far, the elephant was just staring at them, it's eyes blinking every once in a while. It only made one mock charge during the process, but they managed to step away from the colossal megafauna in once piece without getting hurt.

The elephant lost interest and walked away in a different direction. With every step the giant animal took, it made the ground rumble like small earthquakes.

Spike felt the whole ground shake when he felt the elephant's footsteps, and almost lost his balance to them, but he managed to pull through and continued looking for more help.

"Those creatures surely are magnificent, aren't they, Spik" Imari said boldly. "Elephants are quite a glorious sight across the savanna."

"Yeah. When they are not trying to threaten you or killing you with those tusks, then I agree."

"It was just weary. So there is no need to worry so much about the elephants, dearie." Said Zecora.

"I know. Elephants would be the least of our problems. What about Twilight and the Pony gang? What if they attack again?"

"We will protect you, little one." Said Imari.

"If they all want to capture you for Roseblood's amusement, they will have have to get through me, for I am a brick wall." aaid Discord.

The master of chaos then conjured himself into actually looking like a brick wall to make a point with eyes and a mouth.

"Yep, nopony will every get past me." He boasted some more.

"Come on, Discord. Focus." Spike urged. "This cod possibly be doomsday for a od Equestria, and probably even the whole world as we know it."

"No it will not." Zecora remarked, trying to make a promise to him. "Roseblood will surely brought back to help so she can rot." She thought of the Hippogriffs or Hippodromes, depending on which are living on land or in water, who could also be a great use to this army building up. Along with dragons, and the clever changeling race, they might have a slight chance of killing Roseblood, but still, it might not be enough.

It would take a whole army as big as a whole football stadium or two, or even three, four, or five. Spike himself was thinking if he would have to kill any of his friends while fighting against this demon. The last thing he would absolutely want to do was kill everyone he ever loved if it was to stop Roseblood from taking over the planet with her evil influence.

Still, Spike just had to move forward with the mission in finding a tough and formidable army to defeat her and her minions. He would prefer to kill a whole army of demons from hell instead of trying to hurt his own friends to free Equestria. After all, this mare seems more powerful than anyone could possible imagine her to be.

It was yet another long walk ahead on this path, but they found another settlement not too far from them now. It was a rather large settlement and it looked very prosperous.

They all approached the city and there were white rhinos living within the settlement.

These were certainly white rhinos, for they were larger than the black ones, and had square lips on their faces, which was one of their distinguishing marks they have.

This would have to be the place where Silver Horn and Lighthoof would live in with the other white rhinoceri.

Walking through the dirt streets, some rhinos were staring at them, and they weren't all staring at them, for they recognize Imari and his small eland posse.

It was a rather long walk, but they stopped in front of a rather nice-looking castle.

The large building was made of stone and bamboo shoots. Spike was really impressed by how these rhinos live in a very civilized society. All of these rhinos were typically living a same society as their black cousins, for they are less aggressive and less prone to anger if provoked to become angry.

Talking to these rulers would not be a problem, If they can be found of course. Imari would just try and talk and negotiate with these majestic beast just as he did with the majestic black rhinos before.

Two guards with helmets over ther heads were guarding the entrance to this castle, which was the main gate to enter inside the courtyard. “King Imari.” Said one of the guards. “Always a pleasure. What brings you here?”

“Ross, I desperately need to talk to the king and queen over this city of yours.” Said Imari. “This is urgent. Me and my friends need to speak with them both, for we are dealing with a crisis situation.”

The two guards were silent but then the second one named Ricky finally replied by saying “I suppose you can come in. You are good friends with Silver Horn. What sort of an emergency is it?”

“It’s our home!” Spike blurted in desperation.

“Shh, it’s alright Spike, I can talk to them.” Said Imari.

“No no, it is perfectly alright.” Said Ross. “I take it you are from Equestria?”

“Yeah, how did you know?” Asked Discord.

“Because we know Zecora,” Said Ricky, pointing his large hoof at the zebra. “I honestly never thought we would see you again.”

“It’s good to see you, too, boys.” Said Zecora flatly. “Please, we are not joking with you like we are playing with toys.”

“Well, our king and queen certainly know who you are, Zecora.” Said Ross. “ It we must warn you that they might not be best pleased to see you back here.”

“I do not care.” Said Zecora. “We need the help of an army to get this evil, demonic mare out of our hair.”

Very well.” Ricky said. “Do come on in.” All of a sudden, the gates swung open with a loud “clang!” Sound heard. Accompanied by the two guards inside, they went down many hallways and corridors until they entered a large throne room.

There stood a large make rhino and a slightly smaller female one with smaller and thinner horns. “My king.” Ross bowed to them in respect. Ricky was doing the same thing as his friend was. The king looked giant and intimidating, and his horns looked so sharp and deadly that it could impale through steel, and his thick skin was possibly the darkest color out of the other male rhinos the heroes have seen so far.

For the female, she looked more calm and laid back, and was the same color as any other rhino within this beautiful city.

Spike was feeling a little fear rushing through his system again, and certainly did not want to make these two rulers angry on accident. “Welcome.” Said The king in a low, rumbling voice. “King Imari, always an honor to have you here.”

“And the same with you, Zecora.” Said the queen.

“Thank you.” The zebra remarked while bowing in respect.

“For those who do not know who I am, I am king Silver Horn of the Reekozo tribe. This is my lovely wife, Lighthoof.”

“Hello.” Said The Queen. “What brings you all to our castle?”

“Yes, state your business.” Said Silver Horn.

Spike gulped, but then Imari gently shushed him, telling him that he will handle the talking. “Forgive us, my old comrade.” Said The king of elands. “But Zecora, And her two friends here seek your help in stopping an ancient evil that was sealed away.”

Silver Horn didn’t really changed his expression, but his wife however, did look surprised. Lighthoof shown a little more compassion than her husband expressed, and then she ultimately said "An ancient evil? Who is this evil, demonic being that has returned to this world?"

The heroes were silent, but then Discord said. "I know you probably know who I am, but please, hear out my pleas." The master of chaos sounded a little desperate when he was talking to the rhinos like this. "A terrible mare named Roseblood has come back from the pits of Tartarus to seek revenge on Princess Celestia and Luna for banishing her there for almost causing the end of the world."

"Now that she's back, she has the princess' under her brainwashing spell, and turned all my friends against us. With the princess' on her side now because of her spell, there's no telling how she will unleash her evil on the Earth once again." Spike added. He suddenly covered his mouth, realizing that he probably spoke out of terms once again. "Sorry, I should just keep quiet."

"No, no. It is quite alright, little one." said Silver Horn in a bold voice. "I am certainly not that kind of leader. But, how can this possibly happen? I have met the princess' dozens of times before, and they are one of the most powerful ponies I have ever met in my life. They even come down and visit us for meetings of diplomacy."

"We were just as surprised as you, your highness." said Zecora. "We thought that nopony was powerful enough to challenge their greatness. It turns our we underestimated her, we were wrong." she bowed her head in sadness. "There are certainly a lot of evil events going on."

The two royal rhinos didn't really know what to think of this, or if they should believe her, or the other two. At first, as a matter of fact, they looked skeptical and thought this was a joke to prank them both. Silver Horn then asked "Are you certain that Celestia and Luna are both brainwashed by her?"

"Yes." Spike said. "Princess Cadence, Shining Armor, and their daughter, Flurry Heart too, and she's only a baby."

"Would we be even coming to you if they had not been brainwashed by Roseblood? They even ambushed us a while back while trying to seek help from Kifaru and his Black Rhino tribe."

"They speak the truth, mon ami." said Imari. "They were attacked by their own friends under Roseblood's spell. We saved them before they could even win the fight. Surely, you can believe me: one of your closest friends and allies about this."

"Earlier today," said the white rhino king. "We experienced a mysterious red mist, and that sounded quite eerie. Do any of you know what that was?"

"That mist," said Spike. "Was a dark magic that she has been practicing for centuries, and it was supposed to bend almost everypony to her every whim and command, and call her their queen. Not everypony can be under her spell, Discord save some stragglers before warning me about her and how dangerous she was."

"Hmm, then it is more sinister and serious than me and my wife thought it would be." and Silver Horn turned away for a moment. "How can we even face up against her?"

"We are gathering as much followers as we can." Zecora answered. "It will only be a matter of time before Roseblood will probably turn the whole earth into nothing but sand."

"Oh! Don't even say that. I'm worried she might actually turn this planet into oblivion."

"No she won't." said Imari. "Silver Horn, we beg you, please lend us your support in our fight against her."

"Even with our army, us alone cannot save the whole world, and our beautiful homeland of Zebrica." said Lighthoof.

"True, but like Zecora said: We're getting more and more followers to our army." said Spike. "Changelings, Dragons, kudus, zebras, and rhinos alike. Imari told us that you can help us out with support."

"How do we know we can trust the dragons and changelings?"

"because I reformed the changelings, and made the dragons more on friendlier terms with ponies." Spike said. "Trust me, you will like Thorax, the new Changeling king, and Ember, the new dragon lord. Can you help us, please?" he had that puppy dog look on his eyes, looking like he was about to break down into tears. "I just want my friends back."

"Well, If your friends are that important to you, Spike. Then I lend you my horns." said Silver Horn." and he bent down his head to touch Spike's face gently with his large horn, like he was making him a knight.

"So will I." said Lighthoof, also bowing to them, showing support for this cause. "So what is your plan exactly?"

"We're.... not so sure yet." Discord admitted. "But first thing's first, the more followers we find, the greater chance we can beat her together."

"Very well. I shall spread the word of this terrible event to everyone else in my city." said Silver Horn. "I hope you do find more followers to help you all out with the cause." Said the king.

All the three heroes smiled at the king and queen of the white rhino's temporary allegiance to them.

"Thank you. My old friend. But if only Zuberi and his followers thought of the same ideals as you would."

"You asked the buffalo chief for help?" Asked a guard named Mbube.

"Yes." Spike admitted begrudgingly. "But let me tell you, he is the most stubborn Cape buffalo I ever met in my life."

"Indeed. He prefers to go by his own motto: 'The buffalo are for the buffalo' and mostly keep to themselves." Said Silver Horn. He sounded a little angry at the buffalo chief as well. "But for now, you still need to find more help and support as much as you can. We are not the only rhinos roaming Zebrica, you know?"

"Gotcha." said Discord.

"And the same for Black rhinos too?"

"Yes, Spike. Black Rhinos, too." said Lighthoof.

Meanwhile

In the Diamond Dogs' lair, those mongrel, greedy were-beings were looking for any type of gems in their little hovels, by any means necessary. Rover, the leader with the red vest and the color with a gold chain on the end of it was watching satisfyingly seeing how many of his guards were gathering gems from all around.

Fido, the larger, tougher second-in-command of the whole crew was to Rover's left, and he was also happy. Spot, the smallest of the leaders, and the lightest color of fur, was the one most excited. "Hop to it, guys!" Rover called out. "We are very eager for more gems to be dug up!"

"Got it, boss!" said a soldier. The sound of mining and picking rocks continued throughout these tunnels and caverns. Rover and his two closest cronies could hardly wait to have a shower of gems over them, the colorful, beautiful gems pilling down on their heads, and they wouldn't even care if they all got hurt in the process.

“Hmm, I know we gathered so much gems here.” Rover thought to himself. “But I don’t think we can find any more in these caves.”

“That’s a good point.” Said Fido. “Do you know any other places we can dig around for any shiny gems?”

“Yeah! There has to be some place where there can be more.” Spot added.

“Cool yourselves, boys.” Rover ordered. “We have already search many caves and caverns for gems in this area, and I don’t think there is any more. We’ve scavenged many rocks and boulders here and ther, But we might be running low on them until the next fifty years.”

“Maybe we can help you with that.” Said a voice. The three turned around and it was Roseblood, and behind her was a Chrysalis.

“Hmm, work ponies to use as slaves!” Rover thought. “Let’s Get here!” Then he, Fido, and Spot were viciously charging at her with full zeal, but before they could touched her. They were electrocuted by a Magical red blade from Roseblood’s Horn. All the three diamond dogs yelped in pain and collapsed.

“Ow! What was that?” Asked Fido

“A little something to make sure you all behave for me.” Roseblood sternly warned. “Now, listen up, you mangy meatheads. I an going to turn Equestria into my entire kingdom. Toy are all going to help us.”

“That’s right!” Chrysalis Said boastfully. “Now you have to bow down to Roseblood, and swear loyalty to her.”

“Hmph! Why should we even trust a pony like you?” Dodo asked. The evil Roseblood smirked, and used the magic from her from her horn to blast at a nearby guard, and he suddenly felt electrocuted, and fell flat on the floor, right on his back.

“Whoa. The you... you killed him.” Said Spot.

“So?” Asked Roseblood with a smirk.

“We’re... surprised.” Said Rover. “But, what’s in If for all of us?”

It was just then, Roseblood carried a large case of shining glowing diamonds and gems from all kinds. These certainly made the three mutts drool in astonishment. “Will this cover it?” Asked Roseblood with a smirk.

“Boys,” Said Rover. “I think we just made ourselves a new friend here.”

Fido And Spot agreed with their leader’s words and offered to be their supporters. "Now, you will all do exactly what I say, when I say it. Just stick with me, and you will get all the gems you can possibly want."

"There's more?" asked Fido

Roseblood smiled and replied "So much more."