Is all Hope Lost?

Spike was looking at a greater kudu village just ahead of him, Zecora, and Discord. He smiled, knowing they were about to get some more help and allies to defeat, and possibly kill Roseblood. “Here we are.” Said Zecora. “The Kudu village is now, not far. Take head, let me do the talking while you stay with me.”

“Very well.” Said Zecora.

“You got it!” Spike Said boldly. “I hope they will accept it.

Zecora smiled and said “Kudus Are one for bringing peace. They will make sure there is a blowing, gentle breeze.” She walked over to the small village where th kudus lived in, and many of them, like the zebras and elands, stared at Zecora in surprise.

Still, Zecora continued walking and proceeded to a small palace that was smaller than the Eland’s castle in their own village. The kudus also looked interesting to Spike. They reminded him of the elands he met, but they were much thinner, and their horns looked much more longer, and more lethal. The two tall kudu guards wearing camo berets welcomed them all in the castle.

The corridor looked a little longer than the eland’s castle before, but still, it was just as majestic and regal. Many paintings of warrior kudus from many tribes were hung on the wall, and they looked really ravishing. Like the eland castle, many weapons such as spears, iklwas, swords, and many tribal shields that looked slightly different from the eland shields.

“Try not to trip.” Said Zecora. “The floors can be slippery when it’s the castle of king Kip.”

“King Kip?” Asked Spike

“That’s right. He is a noble warrior, and has a high sense of honor.” Zecora replied. “I have had relations with the king of kudus just as long as I have withthe king of elands. I would try and help their wants and demands.”

“Are they cry eh greater good of their people.”

“Of course. When it comes to the antelopes, their rulers would good creatures a yes and bad, evil creatures a no.”

“A no in what?” Asked Discord.

“I think she means like if they want power or want to have power for evil purposes like murder, Stealing, those sort of things.”

“Oh.”

There were also large double doors like king Imari did in his royal chambers. Inside, there stood a kudu that looked like the largest and most colorful, along with the longest, and sharpest horns on top of his head. He wasn’t wearing any clothing at all, no, nothing by the stripes that covered his fur right on his back, and a large dewlap dangling from his neck. But not as big as an eland’s Of course.

“Zecora.” The kudu king recognized. “What brings you back home to Zebrica my old friend?”

“King Kip, I would love to make amends with you and everything, but Equestria is in desperate need of saving.”

“What is it?” Asked Kip

Spike began telling the king about Roseblood and her plans, which was rather shocking to the kudu king. Kip honestly didn't know what to think of this, and looked really troubled. “No, no, that’s not possible.” He doubted. “Princess Celestia, or Luna would never fall victim to some evil mare’s spell.”

“I don’t like it either, your highness.” Spike admitted “but it’s true. If she wasn’t powerful enough to turn Celestia and Luna against us, we wouldn’t be here to ask for help to stop her.”

“Yes, you’re right little one.” Kip admitted. He turned to the side and began to think of some idea or if any miracles would come some time. “We can certainly lend you as much help as we can, but I do not want all my subjects to be wiped out by this wicked being.”

“That’s why we’re getting more help from many other faces.” Discord Said. “We need all the help we can get. We already noted King Kwame Savimbi, and King Imari about this, and they have agreed to lend us support.”

“Perfect. It I do not think it will be enough.” Kip admitted. “I have known Imari for a long time ever since we were calves, and he is a very skilled fighter in combat, but we will need a whole army bigger than a dozen plains to stop her.”

“That’s the idea.” Said Spike. “We’re going to ask for the rhinos and buffalo, too. The more help we get. The bigger chance we can win this fight.”

“The rhinos we can talk to, but the buffalo will plenty of convincing and persuasion.” Said The king of kudus. "King Zuberi of the Zebrican buffalo can be stubborn, and a little hard to convince."

"Is he a bad buffalo?"

"No, no, of course not." said Kip. "He is an honorable bovine who cares deeply for his tribe, but Zebrican buffalo are known to have.... bad temper. It is never wise to upset one."

The baby dragon made a gulp, and then said. "But the buffalo near Appleoosa are very friendly."

"Yes, but those buffalo are a different species." Discord reminded him. "I know what kind of buffalo Kip here is talking about, Spike. These ones are a little cautious and irritable."

"Discord speaks true." Zecora said. "We have to try and convince them in any way we can do."

"Will you need my help, Zecora?"

"No. I think we can figure something out." said Zecora. "And will you still help us in stopping Roseblood from causing hell about?" she gave him a voice that was pleading to him desperately.

The Kudu king was silent again, but he said. "Of course, my old friend. If you can get more and more help to your cause, and free the princess' from this threat, then I most certainly believe you. Me, and my kin offer you our horns."

Zecora smiled in hope. "Wonderful." she said. "And do not worry if any dragons or changelings will be helping us fight on our side. They are far different than how many of you would depict them. They are not monsters of evil."

"I still don't know about them, Zecora." said Kip in uncertainty. "Can we even trust those two races to help us against this Roseblood?"

"Of course we can." Spike said. "We can absolutely trust them to help us. I'm friends with the new dragon lord, and the changeling king. They are better creatures because of me, and you trust me, right?"

King Kip smiled at the baby dragon and said to him "Of course I trust you, young Spike. I can sense it in your heart that you are not a greedy dragon who only cares about his gold, or gems, and I know you are telling the truth about the changelings being good creatures now since I can see it in your eyes."

"Good. What about the rhinos? do you think they will help us?"

"The white rhinos of course, will definitely help us in our fight." said the Kudu king. "Their leader, King Hekima is a very understanding rhinoceros, and he has good ties with the zebras. The black ones are a little more like the buffalo, but they do have ties with us, and zebras as well. Their king is Ruguru, who can be a rather... nasty piece of work, but can still be a loyal companion."

"I see." said Discord. "We would love to stay and talk with you more, but the more allies we get, the better the chance we can defeat Roseblood and save Equestria."

"Of course. Once you have gathered all the allies we need, we can discuss a plan then."

"Right!" all three of them said in agreement.

"Thanks again, your majesty." Said Spike

"You are quite welcome, Young one. Good luck to you all."

As they exited out of the throne room, then out of the palace, the three heroes exited the Kudu village, and then they set out to find the buffalo king that they keep hearing about for advice. They hoped that Zuberi will be at least reasonable enough to hear out their pleas.

Out in the grasslands, the aub was getting hotter and hotter every second in the day. Zecora honestly didn't know how far the buffalo village will be, but they got know choice, every soldier in their fight counts.

Overtime, they went up to five miles from the Kudu village, but they didn't find any signs of civilized life anywhere, just a bunch of animals such as cheetahs, warthogs, giant forest hogs, storks, vultures, parrots, and other creatures that couldn't talk.

They decided to take a little break from all that wondering again, and Discord conjured another big block of ice, for the first one was given to the elands as a kind offering from Zecora.

While relaxing on the big block of ice, Spike was wondering if any of the other survivors such as Lyra, Bon Bon, and Pip were all okay.

"Zecora?"

"Yes?"

"What if we don't save all our friends and Equestria in time?" The baby dragon asked in a worried voice. "This Roseblood can be even more powerful than we thought."

Zecora gave him a sympathetic look, and gently lifted his chin with her hoof. "Spike, everything will be okay. I promise you we will save the day."

"And of course. You got moi." Disdord boasted. "With a God of chaos such as myself, we now have a greater chance."

"I wouldn't get too cocky, Discord." Said Zecora. "You might get killed if you say the wrong word."

"Nonsense." Discord boasted. "I have powers of a God, maybe even greater than Celestia and Luna combined."

"If that's the case, then why did you come to us for help?" Spike said in a sassy voice.

"Ha ha, very funny, child. Well, on the upside, we are gaining more and more help in every step we take." And then he made a sad sigh. "Poor Fluttershy." he remarked. "I can only imagine how she is suffering inside of her body since she has been turned completely evil."

"And I can't say the same for Twilight. I'm really worried about her. I just hope and and the gang are alright." Spike remarked sadly. It was clear all three of them mess their friends, and would do anything to save them from Roseblood and her spell. They honestly didn't know how much time they had to stop her and her plans from spreading all over the planet, and turn it into a living hell.

As they continued relaxing on the second big block of ice, something suddenly blasted the block into a million tiny pieces of frozen water. The three took cover just in time by running to avoid any sharp ice crystals from falling on them. "What was that?!" Spike exclaimed in fear. They looked to see what caused that magical blast to destroy the ice block, and Spike's heart sank to his feet at what he was seeing.

Twilight, and the other corrupted elements of Harmony were standing in front of them, their eyes still glowing an evil red, and they still had those evil smiles on their faces. This did not look good at all. "Twilight?" Spike said

"Fluttershy?" Discord said in disbelief.

"Spike, there you are." Twilight said wickedly. She was trying to sound as sweet as possible to her little brother. "We've been looking all over for you."

"What do you all want?" Discord asked

"We just want Spike is all." said Rainbow Dash. Roseblood has something special planned for him.

"I don't know what that means, but I don't like it." Spike said, gulping his throat in fear. He didn't understand why Roseblood wanted him, "Are you going to dissect me or something?" he asked with a sudden thought, beginning to shake in fear. "Well I'm no frog!"

"Oh relax." said Rarity. "Roseblood isn't planning anything like that at all, Spikey-Whikey."

"Yeah, queen Roseblood wants to make you her royal pet now that she's the new queen of Equestria now." Applejack said

"And she has specifically ordered us to bring you to her alive." Fluttershy said. "Just try and come with us, and we'll let Discord and Zecora live." then they all emitted an evil chuckle.

"No!" said Zecora. "He will never join you, or your demonic queen, now I demand you all to go!"

"How dare you!" Twilight said. "We will make you eat those words for those insolence!" Then the evil Mane Six charged at the three. Discord and Zecora charged at them back, but Spike was too scared to even do anything. Fluttershy was swooping down on Discord like an angry raven, but Discord keeps teleporting from one place to another

"Fluttershy, please." Discord begged. The yellow pegaus didn't listen, for she was still trying to attack her own friend. "I know you're suffering inside, my dear!" the Master of Chaos continued begging at her. "This is not the real you. Come back to the light, we can help you out!"

"Are you sure you're even a true friend, Discord?" Flutterhy asked him. "This is me! And I am in full control."

"I don't believe it." Discord replied. "I know you're suffering on the inside." All of a sudden, Rainbow Dash attacked him from behind, causing him to stumble on the ground. "That's it!" he said while gritting his teeth in anger. When Rainbow Dash was coming again, he side-stepped out of the way this time, and gave her a powerful kick to the stomach with his foot, causing Rainbow to crash on the dirt in pain.

Zecora was dodging every magic blast that Twilight was throwing at her, and knocked her in the face, making Twilight backflip to the ground. Without looking, Pinkie Pie readied her party canon at her, and fired, but Zecora ducked out of the way just in time, hitting Rarity instead.

"OWW! Watch where you are pointing that thing, Pinkie Pie!" rarity exclaimed in anger. "I think I got confetti in my ears now."

"Sorry!" Pinkie sang. She readied her party canon again, and it was aimed at Zecora again while she was fighting with Applejack. The zebra was very skilled in combat, dodging many blows from the farm mare. Sure, she took a few punches and kicks from Applejack, but Zecora would retaliate.

Just then, Twilight grabbed her from behind, and held her with her magic. "Alright Pinkie Pie, destroy her!" she ordered the pink earth mare evilly.

"You got it! Prepare to die, Zecora!" she exclaimed in triumphantly.

She was about to start the canon, but Discord pushed her out of the way with a slap to the face, and aimed the canon at Twilight instead, causing her to be knocked out cold. Spike was absolutely horrified and ran up to her. "Spike no!" Zecora tried to stop him, but it was no use, he knelt down at the unconscious Twilight.

"Twi? Are you okay? It's me, Spike. Come on, wake up!"

She still looked unconscious, and didn't get up at first, but then her eyes perked up in a glowing red, and smiled. "Oh Spike. It's okay. Nopony could ever kill me." and then she grabbed him with her magic, causing Spike to levitate in midair.

"Hey, hey! What's going on? What are you doing?!"

"Shh, there there, Spike." said Fluttershy. "We won't hurt you." then she pressed her hoof against Spike's right shoulder like a meat grinder. Weirdly, Spike was beginning to lose consciousness and suddenly felt sleepy. "It's okay, just close your eyes and go to sleep. Everything will be okay."

Spike didn't know what this was, it was like she was trying to squeeze his windpipe, or close to his throat to make him not breath or feel very sleepy.

The baby dragon was slowly going out of it, but then, something heavy charged at Twilight, causing her to fly into the grass with a loud thud. Spike dropped on the ground and looked up as Fluttershy backed away and took her hoof off his neck.

It was King Imari of the elands, looking quite strong and angry. Not only that, but a large group of other elands came in to help the three. It was up to thirty eland bulls, and Twilight looked quite scared and terrified, as did the other corrupt Elements.

Rainbow Dash tried to fight back and zoomed in on one bull eland, and tried to punch him in the face, but the bull was quick, despite his huge stature, and kicked Rainbow in the face, causing her lower lip to bleed on the left side of it. "Ow!" she cried in pain. She tried to fight back, and punched kicked one eland bull on the right side of his large body, but has little effect on the gentle giant.

"You dare to attack me, puny pony?!" the bull shouted angrily, then he gored her in the stomach, but it didn't pierce her skin, no, it only caused her to yell in pain, and land on the ground again.

Another bull named Lekan charged at Applejack, and immediately overpowered her with his gigantic body, pressing his hoof against her chest.

"No! Lekan, don't kill them!" King Imari ordered him. "They might be under Roseblood's control, they are still Zecora's friends."

Feeling a little reluctant, Lekan did what the king ordered him to do, and Applejack immediately scurried away from him.

"This is not over!" Twilight exclaimed. "We have to retreat!" then the others gathered around her, conjured a magic aura, and they were gone.

Spike was absolutely shaken by this, and he never felt so scared in his life. "Spike!" the eland king said. "Are you alright? Are you injured?" they all rushed to his aid to help him back on his feet.

"They almost got me." Spike said, then he began sobbing in fear. "I almost died!"

"There there Spike, everything's alright. They're gone now." Imari comforted him.

"What are you all doing here?" asked Discord.

The eland king cleared his throat and said. "We knew you were coming to speak to the king of Zebrican buffalo, and we thought we should help you in persuading him."

"King Kip did say that buffalo was hard to persuade and convince, so this would make perfect sense." Zecora remarked.

"Zuberi was always a little short-tempered. If Zuberi will not listen to you three, he might as well listen to us."

"Good, but what about your city?" asked Spike

"No need to worry, Spike." Imari remarked in a humble chuckle. "My brother, Galen, is taking charge of everything with the guards until I return. Come along now, Zuberi's home is not far from here now."

"Right." said Discord.

The king of elands decided to carry Spike, feeling he had no need to walk after that traumatizing experience he just endeavored. Discord gave him a lift, and the baby dragon found himself riding on Imari's back. All of them ventured off into the savanna to look for Zuberi and the buffalo for their support.

Discord would have poofed him and the others to their destination, but didn't feel like it after that scary ambush.