The Freeblade and the Nurse

Chapter Six

Once the other Elements arrived, along with nine members of Twilight’s own Royal Guard, the crowd quickly dispersed and things started to calm down. Celestia stayed near Marius and Nurse Redheart, making sure none of her subjects tried anything else on the two… Though, the nurse herself had her hands full, trying to see to a drugged Marius, his pain killers truly starting to kick in. His body being mostly limp, it was rather difficult getting him back into the wheelchair. Though, once he was in it again, the chair started to administer more medication, allowing the knight to become more active and alert, along with less high from the drugs… No longer talking about seeing some shiny gold-man dancing around the clouds with a rainbow beam gun.

“Now that ordeal is over with, are you two alright?” Celestia asked, looking at the two. “Nothing permanent, I hope.”

“Nothing too bad, just a headache really.” Nurse Redheart answered, placing Marius’ handkerchief over her injury. “I will be fine, after resting for a short while, Princess…”

Celestia gave a nod, and looked towards Marius, who simply sat back into his wheelchair. “I’ve dealt with much worse, after all…” He gave a content sigh. “You can imagine the pain I feel, when linked with Umbra. The MIU allows me to feel every bit of damage his carapace, or body, takes.”

The group went wide eyed at the revelation, but shook it off quickly. Twilight walked up to Marius, smiling. “Well, now that I have a chance, Prince Corvain-?”

“Do NOT call me that!” Marius snapped, causing Twilight to ‘eep’ and jump back, not expecting such a reaction from the usually calm and serious man. They could all see the rage and fury within his eyes, at the mere mentioning of that title mixed with his surname.

Nurse Redheart, seeing the anger but also a glimpse of pain mixed with it, knelt next to him and placed a hand on to Marius’ own. “She was just being respectful, Marius… After all, that is your title within your House.” She tried to calm him down, not wanting such a reaction to be taken the wrong way and any harm following.

Marius looked at her, seeing the concerned look she was giving him, and released a frustrated sigh then pinched the bridge of his nose. “You do not understand, none of you do.” He placed the hand back down, not moving the one Nurse Redheart was holding. “That title is a constant reminder of my greatest failure… A reminder that my father, House, home, and world; are all gone.” The mares, and stallions, listened to the man, not wishing to interrupt him. “I was not there, one of the prize princes of House Corvain and a skilled Imperial Knight pilot, to protect them like I swore to do the moment my father knighted me and I was given my very first Imperial Knight. All because I wanted to fight the Imperium’s enemies… Because I wanted to see the galaxy, and be a hero. Choosing to go on hat deployment, when I could have stayed. They all could tell, Marius blamed himself for something completely out of his control. “My selfishness blinded me to my duties, I no longer deserve to hold such a title. To hold the responsibility that comes with being a ‘Prince’.”

The group were all silent, not because they didn’t understand, but because they did not know what to say. All eyes went to Celesta, as she walked back up to Marius. “You are wrong, Marius. You are more deserving of that title, than you believe.” Her words confused him, but Celestia smiled. “The fact you hold a loss as your own fault, despite it being completely out of your hands, is a dedication to your status… Not to mention, your sense of duty to protect all those around you? Honor your entire House, both alive and those who have passed on, in place of the Kingdom you have loss. You deserve the title of ‘Prince’, because of your actions and continued oath.”

He wanted to argue with her, about how wrongs he was and that it was his fault, but Marius somehow felt the truth of her words. With a defeated sigh, he simply leaned back into the wheelchair. “I will concede the argument, Princess, for now… But I shall not accept being called ‘Prince’ just yet.” Celestia gave an accepting nod, while Marius looked back to Twilight. “I apologize for snapping at you, Princess, you can imagine how much strain the title can put on my mind… Now, what did you wish to ask me?”

Twilight hesitated for a second, but nodded. “Well, uh, Lord Corvain… Princess Celestia brought to my attention, that you may need to somehow resupply your weapons sometime soon?” She asked, Marius giving a nod to her question. “Well, she and I talked about it, and we may have a solution… If given a sample of your ammunition, myself and several unicorns could use a duplication spell in order to create more ammunition for you. They will be exactly the same, the spell scans the sample and then actually creates a new one from scratch. Think of it like… The magic copying it, all the way down to every molecule.”

Marius gave a nod. “If you can do that, then that will give us a great advantage for any future operations involving Umbra and myself.” He thought for a moment, suddenly smirking. “Along with saving Umbra and me quite the headache… Which reminds me, Umbra?”

“” Umbra answered, Nurse Redheart pulling his dataslate out from her pocket book.

“Did you get me a full ammo count from all your weapons?” He asked.

“”

“Thank you, Umbra.” A green thumb appeared on to the screen, as Marius looked at Twilight. “How many do you need?”

“Just three of each, will do.” Twilight asked, looking over at the dataslate. “Is there enough for that, Mister Equitis?”

“<Affirmative, Princess. Spinning up excess rounds now. Please have receiving teams ready.” Umbra informed, Twilight motioning for her guards to do that.

Once the lavender armored stallions left, to collect the samples, Marius smiled. “Well, today has turned out to be quite the exciting one. Seems like we all earned a-?”

“TWILIGHT!!!!!” A voice yelled, causing the entire group to look at its source… Seeing a purple and green teen dragon sprinting towards them.

“Spike?” Twilight asked, as the teen dragon stopped in front of them all, scroll in his claw. “Spike, what is the matter?” She placed a and on to her assistance’s scalely shoulder.

It took him a moment to respond, having to try and regain his breath, but Spike was in a panic. “Ponyville… Castle… Trouble… Need help… Fast!” His words confused them, so Spike held up the scroll. “Read!”

Twilight raised an eyebrow, but took the scroll anyways, and started to read it. “I hope this message reaches you, Spike. I got this spell while searching through Princess Twilight’s spellbooks, in her library. Myself, the other Crusaders, and some survivors from Ponyville; are all trapped in the Princess’ Castle. We have been stuck here since the last evacuation attempt went bad. Our supplies are running low, the barricades and spells won’t last much longer… It took this long for me to finally get the spell just right. Please, send help! – Sweetie Belle.” The young princess was wide eyed, along with the other mares. Twilight looked towards the shocked Celestia. “Princess! We have to send a squadron of Royal Pegasi Guard to get them!”

Celestia snapped out of it, not even knowing she had placed a hand over her mouth, because of Twilight’s comment. “Twilight, we do not have enough Royal Guard to spare for that… Most are either guardingthe city or seeing to refugees.” She answered, the mares turning pale. “We don’t even have anyone to spare for this rescue mission.”

“You are wrong about that, Princess.” They all looked toward Marius, who had a serious look in his eyes. “Give me a Squad of your guards, and then I can take Umbra Equitis on this rescue mission.” His gaze went to the teen Dragon, who was comforting the white unicorn mare that was crying about her younger sister. He seen that look in the young one’s eyes before, it was one of pure love and concern. He’s seen it in the eyes of those who fight to protect those they care about; to impress those they wish to win the affection of. An idea suddenly came to his mind, one that made him grin. “And I’ll take the boy ‘Spike’ with me, for communication between both groups.”

That caught the young drake’s attention, making him walk up to the wheelchair bound man. “B-But… Uh, sir, I’m not much of a fighter. What do you expect me to do/” Spike asked, with a raised brow.

Marius lifted his hand up, and motioned for Spike to come closer to him. Once he got close, he leaned in to whisper. “You want to impress the woman, yes?” Spike gave a nod, making him smirk a bit more. “The this is your chance. I have a feeling either this ‘Sweetie Belle’ or one of the ‘Crusaders’ is related to her. You come back, after rescuing them, then you’ll impress her greatly. I’m giving you a chance, boy… Don’t ruin it.”

Spike looked at him, then smirked himself. Quickly, the teen dragon jumped back and gave Marius a salute. “Sir, yes, sir! I won’t let you down!”

“There’s a good lad… Your mission in this is very important, I’ll be relying on your assistance, greatly.” Marius said, playing along with some improvised pretend orders. “Umbra Equitis will also be relying on your assistance, for the secondary objective.”

Once again, Spike saluted with a wide grin… The mares, especially Rarity, giving him surprised looks. “But… How will you get there? Ponyville is several miles away, getting there would take hours, if not a whole day!” Twilight noted.

Marius smirked, at her statement. “Then you have never seen an Imperial Knight conduct a battle stride before.” He leaned back into the wheelchair. “If they all ride on his back, then I can transport the Squad, and Spike, straight to ‘Ponyville’ without a problem… Then transport the survivors straight back to Canterlot.”

“But, I cannot possibly allow you to go, not after the beating you had just endured.” Nurse Redheart noted, referring to the severe bruising on Marius’ head. “Can’t someone else pilot Umbra?”

“No, only I have the cybernetics required to link up with him, nor do we have the time for someone else to be outfitted with them.” Marius looked up at her, still smirking. “Besides, so long as it is not fatal, I will be fine with the MIU.”

Nurse Redheart did not respond, and nodded to him, as Celestia walked up to him. “If you are sure, then we need to get you in Umbra Equitis.” The nurse mare moved to the side, allowing both Celestia and Luna to pick Marius up from his chair. Once they had a good hold of him, the elder princesses opened their wings and flew off towards the metal colossus, Twilight picking Spike up and flying right behind the three.

It would not have taken them very long to arrive where Umbra Equitis had been stationed, especially since they were flying. When they arrived, the Imperial Knight’s cockpit was already opened, and the Twilight Guard were unloading the second set of samples. Celestia and Luna flew Marius up to the cockpit, the Imperial Knight’s helmeted head trying to watch them. “” Umbra blared out.

“Really?” The Doctor called out, popping his head out from the cockpit, and saw his five visitors. “Oh, hello, there! How can I help you all?” He asked.

“Doctor, is Umbra ready for deployment?” Celestia asked, as Doctor Whooves helped Marius helped them get Marius into the cockpit and on to the command throne. Spike standing right beside the man and making sure he was set and ready to go.

"According to my calculations and scans?” Doctor Whooves climbed out of the cockpit, along with Spike. “All major functions and systems should all be repaired and ready to go, minor ones I’m not so sure about… Umbra, here, already briefed me on the situation.” He looked down at Marius. “My companion, Ditzy Doo, and her daughter, Dinky, were still in Ponyville when the last evacuation went south. If you find them, please… Help them, they are all I have left.”

“Do not worry, Doctor. If anyone is still alive, down there… We will get them out.” Marius answered, the cockpit closing and the princesses got the earth pony off of the Imperial Knight’s back. Spike, on the other hand, remained on the carapace armor and grabbed hold of the nearby railings. Marius leaned back into the command throne, allowing the MIU to connect with the cybernetics at the base of his neck. It only took a few seconds for Marius’ sight to shift from his own eyes, to Umbra Equitis’ optics.

Carefully, the Imperial Knight shook its massive arms and spun the Avenger’s Gatling Cannon’s barrels, Spike holding on the best he could at the sudden jerks. Umbra Equitis twisted his armored head, revving up the Reaper Chainsword. Marius could see the Twilight Guard unloading the last samples from his weapons. “<Lord Marius, I am running a deployment diagnostic check now, according to it? We are all green.”

“Acknowledged.” Marius switched his warhorns on. “Princess, do you have an idea who will be joining us on this rescue mission to Ponyville?” His words caught the attention of Twilight’s guards, as they set the last samples down.

“I will have to go back to the castle, and see if anyone is ready and able for such a mission.” She answered, before the Twilight Guard Sergeant walked up.

“No need, Princess.” He announced, as the other Twilight Guard joined him, and saluted. “Sergeant Strong Arm, and Star Squad, reporting for duty, your majesty.”

The three princesses looked at one another, before Twilight stepped forward. “Sergeant Arm… We appreciate the volunteering… But, I thought your squad was on Street Patrol after this? Seeing to any inured or sick refugees.” She asked.

“With all due respect, Princess, but we have a responsibility to Ponyville, and its townsfolk, since becoming your guard.” Strong Arm answered, leaning his spear into the crook of his shoulder. “We failed to get those survivors out of there, so it falls down to us to get them out.” The other Twilight Guards nodded, in agreement.

“You heard him, Princess… They are going, and there is no stopping them.” Marius announced, as Umbra’s eyes looked down at Strong Arm. “Sergeant! We’re going to need siege ladders, loading ladders, normal ladders; anything we can use to help them on to Umbra’s back! Now, move it!”

“Yes, sir!” Strong Arm yelled, him and the Guards saluted, before they all scattered.

“Spike, get a message to the survivors, tell them a Rescue Team is getting ready for rapid deployment.” Marius added, as the teen dragon pulled out a scroll and quill.

“On it, sir!” He called out, quickly writing message for Sweetie Belle. Once done, he prepared to breathe flames on to it, the teen concentrating on the young unicorn along with what she looked like. His flames usually concerned Twilight or Celestia, he has never tried with anyone else before “Come on… Please work.” He thought, before releasing the green flames on to the scroll. In seconds, the ashes flew up into the air, and headed straight for Ponyville.

-Canterlot Gates, Twenty-Minutes Later-

The Royal Guards were fully deployed to the city walls, and gates, for when they needed to open the barrier. Though, many of the citizens and refugees had gathered within the courtyard word getting around that a rescue team is being sent to Ponyville for survivors. Once the stomping started, they all turned to see Umbra Equitis walking towards the wall… With a squad of Twilight Guard and Spike riding on his back, along with ladders, ropes, and ramps; tied to it.

The Imperial Knight stopped within the courtyard, his helmeted head looking towards all four princess, standing on the ramparts. He raised the chainsword up to them, in a salute. “We shall bring them back, safely!” Marius announced, the princesses nodding, as the crowd began to cheer.

Celestia smiled up at the mighty metal colossus, as he started to walk towards the gates. “Good luck, Marius, Umbra Equitis, Spike, and Star Squad! We shall await your return, and our hopes shall travel with you!” The opened up, allowing the Imperial Knight to pass through, and closed right behind it.

The crowds continued to cheer, some even climbing on to the ramparts to watch the marching colossus. This caused Marius to smirk, as he continued on the war march. “Sergeant… Tell everyone to hold on.”

“Yes, sir!” Strong Arm had the entire Squad, and Spike, tie themselves down to something on the Imperial Knight’s back, making sure they were secured and holding on to something. “Everyone is set, and ready, sir!”

Marius nodded, having Umbra Equitis crouch down. “Alright then. Umbra Equitis… Deploying!” The war machine suddenly went into a dead sprint! His thunderous battle stride actually shaking the rocky foundations, with every stomp of his metal feet.

On the wall, the crowds continued to cheer for the metal colossus. When it started to sprint, their cheers got even louder. “<Lord Marius? It seems Canterlot’s denizens are enjoying display.” Umbra informed.

Marius smirked, getting an idea. “If they liked that, then they will enjoy this… Everyone, hold on tight!” The last part was through the warhorn each Twilight Guardsmen tighten their holds and life lines.

Out of nowhere, the Imperial Knight suddenly went towards the cliff’s edge, and leapt off! The crowds gasped, even as Umbra Equitis dug his chainsword into the cliff. His armored feet dug into the cliff’s rocky side, making him slide down it like some mountain surfer. The guard squad on Umbra Equitis back looked like they were heroes being transported by a mighty war god or war beast.

“” Umbra informed, as the Imperial Knight reached the mountain’s base.

“What would cause us to stop our current speed?” Marius asked, before another question appeared in his mind. “Wait, how do you know where Ponyville is?”

“” Umbra answered, as a map appeared on screen, showing he quickest course to Ponyville with a red line. “”

“I see… Then we best move in fast, then get out even faster.” Marius said, having the Imperial Knight move at max speed. “Before they even know we are there.”

“Affirmative, Lord Marius.” Umbra prepared every range weapon on his body. “All weapon systems are primed, and ready. We will decimate whatever comes at us.”

-Friendship Castle-

“Zecora! We need more vines over here!” Applebloom called out, as the zebra mare rushed over with a bottle of green liquid.

“Move, young Applebloom! Or, within these vines, this place shall be your tomb!” She waited until the teen moved out of the way, and threw the bottle at where their barricade had been breached. In seconds, from the green liquid, thick vines started to twist and turn around what they could… The rapidly growing vegetation even snapping the mauled, blood, arms in two.

“That won’t hold them for very long, and we do not know how long it will be, before the Princess’ rescue team arrives… Zecora!” Trixie called out, running up to the zebra. “You, and Ditzy, gather the others, and take them higher up. I’ll use my magic to buy you time.”

The gray pegasus mare ran up to the two, her wall-eyed gaze trying to focus on the showmare. “But, Trixie, we can’t just leave you here… I mean, what those things could do to you!” Ditzy noted, both mares giving Trixie concerned looks but she just smiled.

Trixie looked at her purple showmare outfit., it covered up her upper body but exposed so much of her legs. Even the cuite mark, which she was so proud of, is completely exposed. “I’m the only one with the skills to hold them off…” Trixie grabbed her staff, and started to prepare an illusionary spell. “You get everyone high up, I will keep stalling for time, and then join you once they have overrun the main hall.”

Zecora and ditzy nodded, having the others head upstairs. Trixie, on the other hand, kept a tight hold of her staff. The heavy thuds filled her ears sounds of the doors cracking making her twitch with fear. She started to have second thoughts about all of this, but only she could hold the undead off long enough for the others to get a decent barricade up. Trixie jumped back, terrified, as the door ben back towards her. The showmare’s body trembled, when the doors opened enough for two of the undead to reach through.

Trixie knew she, herself, had to be quiet for this to actually work. Waiting until the doors were torn off of their hinges, and fell to the ground, before backing up towards the door, leading to the stair’s hallway. When the undead were half way to her, Trixie activated her spell and fireworks started to go off all around the main hall! This drew their attention, and the undead began to scatter all over the place.

But it wasn’t enough, more were pouring through the door and heading straight for her. Trixie dispelled the fireworks, rushing down the hallway and stopped that the base of the stairs. Doing the best she can, the put up a barrier spell half way into the hallway. Despite spending her time getting better with magic spells, Trixie was still a novice at the more complex ones, and the barrier spell was one dozy of a complex spell, taking its toll quicker than she expected it to.

With each strike, against the pink barrier, caused a sharp pain to shoot up into her head. Before long, Trixie could not take anymore, the undead brutalizing the barrier, and dropped to her knees…. The barrier failing right after, and allowed the undead through. They, slowly, made their way towards the showmare, while she brushed the banes from her eyes, smiling at them. “Looks like this will be the Great and Powerful Trixie’s last show…” Trixie leaned back, terror gripping her legs, preventing her from moving, and watched the ravenous ghouls coming for her “I-I hope you’re happy, Twilight Sparkle… Your stupid friendship lessons got e killed.”

The showmare closed her eyes, hoping that she could distract them long enough for the others to properly set up a barricade… But a heavy STOMP caused her eyes to snap open. The heavy sound caused the undead to stop, and look around like they were confused. Another stomp came, it was closer, then another, and another! It is almost like the stomping was running, which is impossible because this thing sounded huge and heavy…

The stomping stopped, when it echoed right next to the castle, shaking the entire building. The sounds of gears cranking and turning move above, which allowed Trixie to see that the undead were almost on her. “N-No!” She mentally screamed, scooting back and away from the undead, her back touching the stairs. “I can’t die, not here, not yet… Celestia, someone, help me!” Trixie mentally pleaded, now deciding that she did not want to give up… And she was answered.

A massive, metal, foot crashed through the ceiling and stomped on to the undead! Blood sprayed everywhere out from under the metal plates, crushed body parts flying out or being crushed further under foot. Rubble from the ceiling and walls fell down, crushing what undead the foot had missed or did not step on. Trixie slowly followed the metal foot up, seeing its black and silver plating, and then what it belonged to.

A massive chain weapon swung by the hole, and allowed a pair of, glowing, red eyes appeared behind a matching black and silver helmet. The metal colossus just stared down at her, while Trixie just looked up in pure awe. “Well? What are you waiting for, an invitation? Climb on!” Its voice blared, so loud that Trixie had to cover her ears.

Once the ringing stopped, she looked back up at the metal colossus. “W-What are you?” Trixie asked.

“Your ticket out of here, and to Canterlot!” He replied, suddenly looking away. Several, very loud, booms rapidly exploded, before more explosions were heard off in the distance. “Now, climb on! Star Squad is getting the others. We have a lot of incoming.” More booms were heard, explosions following.

Trixie nodded, and quickly climbed on to the metal colossus’ foot, and under the protective plating. There, the showmare was able to find plenty of places for her to grab on to, and climb up. When she reached the thigh, he pulled his foot from the castle, knocking down the wall. Once she reached his hip, a lavender armored pegasus flew down, and grabbed on to her. “Hold on tight, ma’am.” She nodded, as he flew her up to the colossus’ back.

Trixie was met with the sight of Twilight Guard helping everyone across different assortment of ladders, and on to the colossus’ metal back. “Trixie!!!” Ditzy yelled out, standing with her daughter, the Crusaders, some foals, and Ms. Cheerilee. Zecora was heling the Twilight Guard get others across, even Spike was rushing across and carrying those who were too scared to cross the high up ladder, as the pegasus sat the showmare down with Ditzy. “Thank Celestia, you’re alright!” The pegasus smiled, first grabbing Trixie’s hands and then bringing her into a tight hug.

“Y-Yes, I-I am fine…” The showmare looked towards the colossus’ head, seeing him use its left arm’s weapon to decimate more incoming undead. “Thanks to this metal giant’s timely appearance.

“You can thank Lord Marius after he, and Umbra Equitis, get us all back to Canterlot.” An earth pony guard announced, walking up to the mares. “Sergeant Strong Arm, at your service. I lead Star Squad… We volunteered to go with Lord Marius on this mission, and road Umbra Equitis’ back the whole way here.”

“Lord Marius?” Trixie asked, looking for some noble in the group, but couldn’t see one. She understood this ‘Umbra Equitis’ was the colossus, by the back riding comment. “Where is this ‘Lord Marius’? All I see are members of Princess Sparkle’s Guard, and her dragon assistance, Sergeant.”

Strong Arm grinned at her question. “Who do you think is piloting Umbra Equitis?” He asked, before turning towards a center hatch. “Sir! Survivors loaded, and ready for transport!” The Twilight Guard had tied everyone to extra life lines, the Sergeant quickly tying Trixie and Ditzy to one before seeing to himself.

“Acknowledged, Sergeant. Commencing withdrawal, now. Hold on, everyone!” Umbra Equitis turned around, the Twilight Guard helping brace the foals and elderly. “Extraction successful, Umbra… Relay information back to Nurse Redheart back in Canterlot, we may need medical assistance upon arrival. Spike, let the Princeses know we are on our way back.” The ladders fell off of Umbra Equitis’ shoulders, their usage spent and no room left for them. “Tell them to have dinner waiting for us.” His last comment caused the guards to all laugh, as Spike began to write down a message, and used his flame to send it to Celestia.

Umbra Equitis started a stride towards Canterlot, slower than before because of the extra passengers.

-Halfway to Canterlot-

Things were looking good, Marius had the Imperial Knight moving at a decent pace. This allowed them to out run, and lose, and undead that tried to chase them. Though, Marius knew better than to assume they were out of danger, not until they were behind Canterlot’s protective barrier. “Umbra, make sure your scanners are on high alert for any necrotic signatures.”

“” The map’s scanner grew further out, so they could see any undead in their path, long before they become a problem. “”

Marius raised an eyebrow. “What is the problem, Umbra?” He asked, checking the scanners but didn’t see anything.

The Avenger Gatling Cannon, on screen, started to flash red and suddenly went limp. “The Hydraulic Line just burst, I have sealed the leak, but that caused the cannon to go offline.” He answered.

“Then we better get back to the city before we run into a situation where we will need it!” Marius prepared to go into a faster stride, but an alarm started to ring, as several red dots appeared on the scanner.

“” Umbra alerted, a bit late, as Marius started to search for the undead, but saw nothing. Yet they were closing in on their position. “”

Marius moved the Imperial Knight to where he could, only to see at least a hundred undead flying pegasis flying straight or them. “Shit! Prepare the Stormspear, lock on with flak missile, and knock them out of the sky!” He ordered, as the missile pod aimed upward.

Red circles started t appear around the undead pegasi, but only half were targeted. “”

“Fire anyways! Take out the closest ones, we have to buy time to repair the gatling cannon!” The targeting system readjusted its targets to the closer undead pegasi. Seconds later, the missile pod roared to life, and unleashed volley after volley of flak missiles! The passengers all ducked, as the missiles flew out, and avoid its back blast.

The missiles all flew up, and homed in on their targets, detonating the very moment they reached them. The shrapnel from each explosion shredded nearby undead pegasi, taking out a great many of them… But they were still coming, and a great many of them were left. “Lord Marius! What are we going to do!? We are exposed up here!” Strong Arm asked, as the Twilight Guard prepared for battle, having the civilians all hide under the missile pod’s bulk… Luckily, it firing didn’t affect them there. The sergeant even tossed Spike a sword, allowing him to have a weapon to help defend everyone.

“The gatling cannon is offline, a hydraulic line had burst, so all we have are the missiles… And I just used up the last anti-air ones.” Marius answered, having Umbra load the Stormspear with the other missiles, and fired them the very moment each one was ready! This caused several streaks to burst out from the missile pod, and at no particular order. But half of them did not make it, they were not meant for high altitudes like the flak missiles are. “Damnit, unless we get that hydraulic line fixed, all I can o is run! And that won’t last very long against the fliers.”

His comment caught the attention of an orange pegasi teen. “Wait!” Scootaloo flew down to Umbra’s helmet, causing him to look at her. “You said it was a hydraulic line, right?” He nodded the armored head. “I can fix it! That happened to my scooter all the time!”

Marius just looked at her, to the undead pegasi, then back at her. “Alright! It's at the connecting joint for the arm and cannon… Where the two meet! Hurry!” He instructed, before continuing to fire every missile left, even the emergency flares.

“On it!” Scootaloo flew under the shoulder armor, and landed on to the cannon’s back. She ran up to the join, removing her backpack half way there, and knelt down. Her eyes scanned the different parts, despite looking alien… They looked familiar to her. "Stabilizers, rotator joint gears, connector gears, rotation joint; where is the hydraulic line!” She growled, before looking at the back, and saw a bronze cord… Connecting the arm and cannon. “Oh, there, hehe…” Scootaloo, embarrassingly, laughed before setting up.

Pulling out the tools she will need, the pegasi teen went straight to work. Carefully, Scootaloo placed the Hydraulic line back on to the connector piece and placed her wrench on to it. Without hesitation, she tightened the connector, until it as gripping the line, and started to wrap duck-tape around the seal, just in case.

“Alright! She’s ready!” Scootaloo yelled, as the cannons started to come back online. The teen tried to fly back, as the Imperial Knight leaned back, but ran right into the cannon’s barrels!

“Hold on!” Marius ordered, Scootaloo nodding, as the barrels started to spin around. “Have a taste of this, you flying bastards!” With that, the gatling cannon opened fired! Sending a hellstorm of rounds flew into the sky!

The undead pegasi were being torn to shreds by the high caliber rounds, even their passing ripped them apart. Everyone started to cheer, as the flying undead were reduced to blood chunks, Scootaloo though? Well, she was an orange blur on the spinning cannon barrels, screaming. “WAAaaaaAAAAaaaaAAA!!!” as she went. The massive, rapid-firing weapon made short work of the undead, and Umbra slowed his weapon down, until it fully stopped.

Scootaloo road the barrel until it had her up right, the pegasus teen wide eyed and messy haired. Umbra, slowly, pulled the cannon towards his helmet, until he could see Scootaloo. “” The Imperial Knight asked, the teen seemingly dizzy.

“Y-Yeah! I’m fine… Why are you whispering?” She yelled, trying to stop her head from spinning.

“” Umbra suggested.

The Imperial Knight turned around, and started it stride back to Canterlot. “I could not agree more, Umbra.” Marius agreed, the Imperial Knight pushing through trees and branches, making a b-line for the city. “I really hope the Princess can resupply us…” His eyes went to the several red zeroes on his screen. “If not, we are in a lot of trouble."