The group stared out into the darkness, as it started to close in on the kingdom. Shining turned to the ponies, a look of horror on his face. Cadence tried to sand, but fell to her side, breathing heavily as she did. Alex quickly rushed up, letting her lean on his chest as she got up. She looked up at him, smiling as she nodded. Standing up on her own, she straightened her back, her eyes glaring at the oncoming cloud of raw magic, her horn sparking to life as she brought up her head. The sudden light exploded, making everyone wince as they covered their eyes. Kevin could see it from the corner of his vision, the shield returning as it blocked the smoke. Everypony gasped as the humans watched with wide eyes, gripping their guns as Sombra rushed forward, his head smashing into the shield as his horn split by the magic. Cadence wobbled slightly, before leaning against Shining, as he glared out at the shield.

" I have to find the crystal heart-"

" No, you stay here with Cadence." Twilight said, Kevin looking to Cadence as she rested against her husband. Can't believe a few days ago we were having a wedding party. " She needs you Shining Armor." Twilight looked up to Kevin, nodding to him to which he mirrored in reply.

" I'll retrieve the heart."

" Cody Alex I want you guys up here, the plan does not change. Zack stick with the girls alright." Kevin looked to his friends, two of them were not as focused. Zack lightly shook, Kevin could see it under the clothing and armor. He seemed to be sweating even if by a little, but it was enough to show that something was not right. Cody grunted in annoyance, wanting to go down there and rip Sombra's throat out.

" Ugh... Fine" Cody said, grabbing his LMG with force as he walked back into the throne room with Alex. Kevin looked to Zack.

" You gonna be alright? I'm not forcing anything, but I need you to focus." Zack nodded.

" I'll be fine, as long as the girls don't do anything too drastic. Ju-just need some time to c-cool down is all." He said. Kevin frowned under his mask. That dark magic must have done something to you Zack. Walking over, he hugged him, Zack returning the gesture, a small smile on his face. Releasing him, he rested his hand on Zack's shoulder, staring into his eyes with a smirk. Zack nodded, his smile widening as his demeanor seemed to straighten. Kevin looked to Twilight and Rainbow.

" Ready." He said, the four running out of the castle as Twilight set out to find the Crystal Heart.

**********

Alex continued his routine, after Kevin had gone with Twilight while Zack stayed with the girls near the heart. He looked over to Cody, as the young adult paced the room, his eyes focused on the ground as he clenched his fists. Alex continued to watch Cody, as he mumbled under his breath, his angry expression soon turning into one neutral, then to worry. Alex looked out the window again, The ponies still enjoying the festival, while the dome lightly fizzled. Alex could see that the situation was growing worse. From his place, he could see the shield flickering, the struggle of keeping something up like that for a day or more twenty-four seven, would cause anyone to pass out. He heard a low growl behind him, making him turn again. Cody sat at the foot of the throne, tapping his foot against the ground, a constant rhythm that reminded Alex of Cody's heart. Fast, anxious, and most of all... scared.

" Cody, what's wrong man?" He asked. Cody slowed his tapping, sighing as he looked up.

" I-I'm sorry Alex... I just." He sighed again, trying to relax himself. " Just need some time to think about this bastard." Alex walked over, placing down the Rorsch as he sat next to his friend. He could see it, in his eyes, even though so much of his face was covered by his gear, those brown eyes showed all of his emotions.

" What... did Sombra do to you? I've never seen you this shaken up in my life." Alex said, Cody's breaths were raged as he tried to concentrate.

" When I slipped into unconsciousness, I saw something... Something that was beyond my nightmares." He said, Alex could tell that he was being sincere, let alone honest. He continued to listen, knowing Cody needed this more than him. " I was home Alex. Home." A lump caught in Cody's throat, the whites of his eyes slowly becoming a crimson red. " I... I saw my living room. The windows. The, the-the T.V." Alex heard Cody sniff, putting his hand on his shoulder. Alex was about to tell him to stop, but Cody cut him off, wanting to finish it. " I saw my mom man... I-I-I saw my motherfucking mom." Cody clenched his hands into fists, his teeth doing the same as he lowered his head even more.

" It's okay Cody I'm here. It's okay..." Alex said, placing his hand on his back as he lightly stroked it. Cody sighed, holding it in as he raised his head a little.

" The next thing I knew, I was staring at their corpses, nothing but dried bones. An abomination that looked like my mom kept whispering, no matter how hard I tried to get it out of my head." Cody reached up to his eyes with a hand, covering them as he continued his raged breaths, trying to calm himself. He always was one to not show emotions that made him weak, Alex saw that as never a good thing. Cody looked up to the ceiling, a single tear falling from his right eye as it stained the black cloth, the saturation deepening. " It said, you will NEVER, come back." Alex was about to say something, but the sound akin to a soft thud could be heard, making the two look back to the throne.

" Cadence! You alright!?" Shining said, holding her as she tried to stand. Alex quickly jumped up, Cody following suit as they walked up. Alex crouched as he looked to Shining.

" Hey is she alright?"He asked, but he obviously knows the answer to his own question. Shining shook his head.

" Her magic is running out. She can't hold this anymore, we need the Crystal Heart NOW." Shining urged, looking to Alex with worry.

" Is there a way to give her any magic? A way to give her more power?" Alex desperately asked. As much as he wanted to make Sombra suffer for what he did to his friends, he wanted them to find the Crystal Heart more, knowing that they had the trump card would give him more confidence. Shining looked deep in thought, before nodding.

" Cadence's magic is based off of love and light, positive energy throughout the world. If she were to gain some of that energy, it may raise her magic ability." Alex looked to her, before looking up to Shining, their eyes meeting as he sighed.

" Is it possible for her to gain magic from me?" Shining's mouth gaped, while Cadence lightly gasped.

" N-no... Alex listen, I can read y-your mana. Y-you and your friends are all the s-same." She said, as she tried to stand, only for her to lean on Shining. " If I were to gain your happiness, it would affect your life force." Alex raised a brow at that. She sighed. " Basically, I would be gaining power from y-your life Alex... I can't do that." Alex's eyes widened, as he put two and two together. He looked at the ground, his mind thinking if there was another way or if... Should I still do it?

" How much would you be taking?" Alex asked. Only for her to shake her head.

" It would be half of your original strength, meaning that you would feel incredibly weak. Over time you may heal, but that depends on how you take care of yourself." Alex sighed in relief, confusing his friend and the two ponies. Well, it's not permanent. Alex looked to Cadence, his face contorted into one of seriousness. Cadence's eyes widened slightly, surprised to see his facial features change so drastically. If this can buy us some more time, then we have a chance.

" Cadence, I need you to take some of my energy. We need to have more time if they are gonna find this thing, and we need to give them that time. I'm asking you as not a princess, but as a friend, to worry about the safety of everyone within this dome, rather than just one. I wish that you should not worry about me." Alex said, smiling as he looked to her husband and Cody. " Besides, if I get in a pickle, I have friends like you three, and the others outside, willing to fight on my behalf." Cadence became teary eyed, not wanting to see the aftermath of taking Alex's magic, which was basically taking his life. However, the sudden throbbing pain and the sparking of her horn reminded her how desperate times were. She sighed, looking up to Alex as she concentrated.

" Please forgive me for this." She said, Alex lowering his head as he took of his hat, her horn tapping his forehead lightly as they stayed that way.

" No need to apologize." Alex said, until his entire world was one of exhaustion. Like he had been running for seven hours straight. He could feel his muscles becoming tired, as they ached and burned. He felt his body quickly starting to sweat, as it tried to counter the heat building up in his system. He could hear his heart, beating its please for the process to stop already. Finally, after what felt like forever, the pain ceased, and Alex collapsed to the ground, painting as he tried to keep his eyes open. Cadence, now looking a little better, stood up, sitting next to his head as she supported it.

" Alex!? Can you hear me!?" She said, Cody kneeling down and looking at him as well, worry clearly shown. Alex smiled, raising a shaky hand as he gave her a thumbs up.

" N-ne... never better." He said, making Cody chuckle as he helped him up. Shining walked over.

" Let's return outside, I think you two should come along in case if you see anything dangerous." He said, Cody looking to Alex as he tiredly returned the gesture. Slowly walking over to his Rorsch, Alex picked it up, his hand shaking slightly as he did. Everyone could hear his light pants as he remained still, before turning to them with a smirk.

" I'm ready." They nodded, as the four set out to keep an eye on the Empire.

**********

Kevin and Twilight, as well as Spike ran around the castle, passing the balcony every once in a while for Kevin to tell Cody what has happened, and Cody explaining the situation on their side for Kevin, as well as Zack as he listened on the radio. He decided to stop running around, standing instead in the main hall as it seemed to connect the rooms. Twilight rushed to and fro, her eyes frantically searching the castle for any place that could give a clue as to where the heart was. Kevin sighed, as he looked to the throne, admiring how well placed the crystals were, and how the room wasn't as elongated as Celestia's, rather more roomy for good company to enter. As he was lost in thought, Twilight was running around, too focused on finding the Crystal Heart that she bumped into Kevin, making her yelp and him lightly grunt, raising a brow under his goggles as he looked down. Twilight blushed lightly as she rubbed the back of her head, sheepishly smiling.

" Hehe, sorry about that." She said, getting up as she tried to calm her nerves. Kevin smiled, shaking his head lightly as he continued to stare into space.

" No problem Twilight." Twilight followed Kevin's eyes, as he looked at the throne. She raised a brow.

" Wait a minute... the throne."

" Yeah I know. I'm surprised it's made up of crystal too. I mean back where I'm from, most crystals were in caves, but this place still astonishes me with the fact that everything is made of crystal. It is quite a sight to behold-" Kevin just finished his sentence as Twilight ran up to the throne, examining what appeared to be the top piece before smiling, lighting up her horn. Kevin walked over to her, as she seemed to be heavily concentrating. He was about to ask what she was doing, but his words caught in his throat. Her eyes started to bleed the purple, like how his friends did, her face contorting into one of pain. He reached for her, ready to break her trance, but the sudden black laser beam that shot from her horn made him stop. Hitting the main crystal, shadows danced on the floor, revealing a spiral staircase, descending into what appeared to be darkness, the void itself, as Kevin felt the chill of nightmares crawl up his back.

" Whoa, when did you learn to do that?" Spike asked, as he looked down into the abyss. Twilight smiled, pointing down the spiral.

" That was a little trick Celestia taught me." She said, Kevin shaking his head lightly.

" I'm not to sure about these tricks." He mumbled, the sound of the shield flickering bringing his attention back to the outside. Kevin watched as the shield seemed to hold, but Cadence wasn't going to last. Kevin looked to Twilight, and asked himself one of the hardest questions. What do I do?

" You stay up here Spike, same with you Kevin." Twilight said, her horn lighting up as she descended down the stairs. As she did, Kevin continued to think. If I stay, she will be protected, but that could allow Sombra to get close. Kevin looked outside, the shield flicking again, and Kevin got a glimpse of the low hanging black smoke, as it circled the shield and waited. He knew once this blue haven would shatter, the darkness would encompass it like hungry rats. Kevin looked to Spike, as he paced back and fourth, holding his claws under his armpits as he looked to the ground, worry on his face.

" Spike." Kevin said, making the little Drake stop and turn to him, a brow raised.

" Yeah? What is it Kevin?" He asked. Kevin knelt down, placing a hand on Spike's shoulder. Even as he knelt, Spike still had to crane his neck slightly in order to look into Kevin's eyes.

" I'm leaving Twilight's safety to you."

" What!?" Spike said, taking a step back with a look of shock.

" What do you mean?" He asked. Kevin stood up, pointing out the window.

" Cadence isn't going to last much longer. Seeing as what is outside, if that thing gets into the Empire, let alone the castle, it can hurt you, Twilight, her friends, Shining and Cadence. If that happens we lost. If me and my friends can draw his attention, while you focus on finding the heart, you will have loads more time then us just standing here and doing nothing." Kevin furrowed his brow, knowing just what he is going to get himself into. Spike looked at him, uncertainty in his eyes as he looked to the staircase then back to Kevin. he sighed in defeat, nodding to Kevin.

" Fine. I'll make sure nothing harms her Kevin." Spike said, saluting the soldier as he did. Kevin smiled, giving Spike the thumbs up before running out of the room.

" Kevin!" Spike called out, making him stop and turn.

" Come back dude. You're pretty cool and, well... Twilight liked the chats you two had through scrolls." Kevin smiled, nodding, before running out. The only sounds in the throne room were the echoes of the oncoming storm.

As Kevin ran, he reached up to his mic, pressing the button.

" Alright guys, time to do something for once. Alex and Cody, continue to stay on the balcony. When that bastard shows I want you two to lay down fire on him, while me and Zack get up close and personnel. Alex, if you can count the bullets of the Rorsch and I'll tell you when to use it." Kevin smiled under his mask, the adrenaline building up as he opened the doors, leading to the outside. Twilight's friends surrounded the fake Crystal Heart, trying to keep the citizens away from it, their gloomy looks returning as they noticed something wasn't right.

" Kevin!? What in the hay are you doin' here!?" Applejack asked, confused as to why he wasn't protecting Twilight.

" Change of plans. Sombra's coming." Some of the citizens gasped as they overheard the conversation, but Kevin continued, not really caring what they thought. Zack ran up from the right, Kevin smiling as they met up. " Me and my friends are gonna buy you guys some time. I want you five to get up there on the balcony and make sure to protect Cadence and Shining. Cody and Alex will be there to assist but they will the be the first line of keeping him back." Kevin looked to Zack, as he cocked back the handle, Kevin turning off the safety on his rifle as well.

" This is Alex, me and Cody are ready. The Rorsch has eleven rounds in total." Alex said, Kevin thanking him through the radio before turning to the girls.

" Should Cody and Alex fail, I am trusting you to not only take care of them, but to keep Sombra back. Don't get injured too severely and on no account, die." The girls flinched a little at the word, but understood what he meant. The shield flickered again, bringing everyone back to their senses. The ponies began to panic, some running back into their homes while others held each other in pure terror.

" Alright everyone! I want you to go into your homes and stay there! Do not come out! If your home is too far then get in the castle or bunk up with others NOW!" Zack yelled at the crowd, the ponies surprisingly obeying him as they orderly evacuated. Zack looked to Kevin, a smirk on his face.

" Let's do this." He said, Kevin nodding in agreement. Just as he said this, the shield faded, Alex coming over the radio.

" Cadence is down! She's on the line now! Are guys ready!?" He said, his tone worried as the shield died, the black smoke already starting to move in on the brightened Empire.

" Yeah we're good! Alright everyone go go go! Come one double time! Girls get up there!" Kevin barked, everypony quickly dispersing, the center being cleared in a matter of seconds.

" Be careful darlings. Come back safe please." Rarity said, her voice pleading to them.

" We're countin' on ya. Don't let Twilight er any of us down Kevin." Applejack said, her face was one of worry.

" Be safe." Fluttershy muttered, giving Kevin a quick hug before following her friends.

" Make sure to teach that meanie a lesson you hear me!? Then we can celebrate with a massive Crystal Party!!!" Pinkie boasted, before hopping along.

" Be sure by the time your done fighting, the only thing Sombra is gonna see is stars!" Rainbow said, smashing her hooves together, before zooming off to the balcony. Kevin and Zack looked to each other, both of them smiling at the same thing. They're are friends. And we are glad that they are.

**********

Kevin lightly panted as he rushed forward, stopping in one of the many streets. he turned to look at the Castle, Alex and Cody looking like ants on the balcony as they watched. He turned back, only for his eyes to widen. The smoke was only ten feet away now, but that wasn't what got him. Those eyes. The green eyes stared into Kevin's, a mouth forming into a blackened smile as it laughed. Kevin raised his gun, aiming for the middle as he shot. The bullet ran through, the smoke dispersing from the impact, but it quickly morphed back. Kevin frowned at this, as he back tracked.

" Zack, on my mark. Same with you Cody." He said, Sombra's face coming through the smoke as he darkly chuckled.

" And what are you, then?" Sombra asked, his voice lightly shook the ground, the deepness vibrating the very air.

" You bastard. You hurt my friends." Kevin said, as he continued to step back. He was getting closer to the opened courtyard. To the ambush. Sombra chuckled under his breath.

" Ah, you mean the two that were so stupid enough to inhale my essence." He said, Kevin only nodding.

" How did it feel? Watching them suffer? Watching as my magic tore their soul apart?" He questioned, his smile growing as he inched closer and closer, the smoke doing the same as his serpent head stuck out. Kevin was about to say something, but Sombra's movement changed. Sombra stretched farther from the fog, his eyes closed as he cackled. His body morphed, a red furred cape flowing in the wind as a mane of shadow was formed. Silver armor adorned his new form, his dark grey fur covering him. The finishing touch, was the crown. Kevin smiled. He had read about Sombra with Celestia before this. And he knew just what to do.

" I am willing to forgive such an ignorant creature such as yourself. I can tell that you are frightened by my appearance and you should be. I will make you and these wretched ponies bow before me." He said, staring into Kevin's eyes as his horn slowly began to glow. Kevin stopped, as they now stood in the courtyard, the sky becoming a orange red, thunder echoing in the background.

" Well, you could try." Kevin said, raising his right hand and snapping his fingers. Before Sombra could even raise a brow. A blast was heard from his left. Turning to see what it was, he barely had enough time to raise his crystals before a massive explosion erupted, obliterating the shield and sending him flying. Sombra grunted in pain, as he hit the wall of a nearby house. He quickly got up, igniting his horn as he stood on a crystal pillar. Another blast was heard, and Sombra saw it this time. He dodged to the side, the rocket flying by and into the distance. He followed the smoke trail, leading to a second creature, as he hid within an alleyway, stepping out with a smirk. Sombra growled, before using his magic, commanding the crystals to move him forward. Like a platform, Sombra shot forward, Kevin jumping out of the way as Zack slid to the side. Kevin aimed his rifle, Shooting at Sombra, the bullets puncturing the shield that he had lifted up. Zack came up on Sombra's left, throwing an RGO towards the king. Sombra roared, raising another shield on his side. The grenade impacted the crystals, shattering them as it exploded. Debris and fire made Sombra grunt, cuts and singed fur now adorned his left side. Sombra raised a hoof.

" You vile creatures!!! You dare attack ME-" Before Sombra could even finish his sentence, a sound was heard. The pulling force of the air, as well the vibrations in the air went through the three on the battlefield. A thunderous roar echoed through the Empire, as Sombra's hoof exploded, bits and pieces of bone and muscle spraying into the air, each bloody piece sprayed back. Sombra's body was jerked back by the force, shattering his focus as he staggered back. He knelt with his remaining forehoof, pain overwhelming his senses. he looked up to the two humans, as they stared down at him as if he was a lowly insect.

" Well would you look at that. Who's kneeling now?" Kevin said. Sombra could see something from the balcony. A small, blue, light. With his horn glowing, her transformed into mist, before backing off, Kevin and Zack shooting into the clouds as he did. Kevin dropped a mag, before reloading, a smirk on his face. He turned to the balcony, reaching for his mic.

" Nice shooting. I think we won the first match." Kevin said. On the balcony, everypony had covered their ears, their faces one of pain as they rubbed their heads. Alex sighed, cocking back the bolt as he opened the chamber.

" I must say, this thing does pack a punch. As well as being loud." He said, letting the used copper dance on the ground as it fell. he reached into one of the ammo bags on his body, grabbing another Sabot round as he carefully loaded it into the chamber. The rails were singed by the fire, some electricity still sparking against the teeth of the barrel. Alex was smiling like a madman now, cocking the bolt back as he planted the rifle down, the metal ringing the rails.

" Why doesn't this bastard try again? Come on, Mr. Rorsch want's to see that pretty face of yours." Alex looked to the left, on one of the streets. Sombra's smoke form snaked through it, a permanent look of hatred clear on it as it slithered back into the courtyard. " Kevin he's coming to you man, left side!" He called, Kevin and Zack turning to him as he turned back into his pony form, his leg was as good as new. Sombra smiled.

" I had expected much much less of you heathens. But, after seeing that example of power, I'm afraid I may have to push a little harder." Sombra's horn glistened, black crystals shooting out from the ground. Kevin jumped to the side, avoiding a sharp crystal that could have easily pierced his armor. Looking forward, he quickly shot his right leg forward, stopping himself on a black crystal protruding out of the ground. Zack sidestepped, jumping back as another crystal shot up. He quickly began to spray, bullets chipping off pieces of crystal, as well as scrapping Sombra, making him grunt in annoyance. His horn glowed brighter, more magical energy pouring into it, as he timed the growth of the dark crystals. He could feel his dark magic absorbing the kingdom. Either he kills them now or they evade until the end it wouldn't matter. He would win. Sombra smiled, opening his eyes as he focused on Kevin. Kevin was jumping back and fourth, unable to stay in one spot for more than four seconds. He stepped back, only for a black crystal to shoot into his leg. Kevin screamed in pain, Zack's eyes widening in shock. Quickly rolling out of the way from a black crystal, Zack quickly reached for his rocket, aiming it with precision. A second after, the SMAW roared, the rocket sailing towards Sombra. His horn ignited, a visible spark as a rusted red shield encased him. The explosion engulfed Sombra, smoke and fire covering the courtyard as Zack ran to Kevin.

" Hey you okay-" Zack barely had time to finish, a sharp piece of blackened crystal shooting past his head, cutting his cheek. He hissed in pain, stopping as he turned to the smoke cloud where Sombra was. He knew that shield protected him, which made Zack even more pissed. Spraying into the smoke, the velocity of the bullets made the cloud brake, Sombra raising another crystal to block the shots. Zack continued to shoot, reaching for an RGO with his left hand, pulling the pin and chucking the explosive. Quickly running to Kevin, Zack heard the explosion, which accompanied the pained scream of the fallen king. Kevin grunted as his leg came off the sharp mineral, a huge gash in his calf. Throwing down a medic bag, The wound began to heal in seconds, Kevin hissing as the feeling of skin and muscle being put back together, as well as growing back at such a rate was uncomfortable. Zack turned to Sombra, pulling out his SMAW again.

" He's not done yet Kevin!" He said, making his friend turn around. Sombra launched a barrage of his power, black electricity dancing through the air. Zack fired his SMAW again, the rocket passing the electricity. Sombra lit up his horn again, blood from his forehead covering his left eye. As he started to raise his shield, his eyes widened at the drop of the projectile. Before he could growl in anger, the rocket exploded, shrapnel and heat washing over his body as he was sent careening to the other side of the battlefield. At the same time, Zack yelled in pain as electricity surged through his very being. He jerked violently on the ground, Kevin running up to him as he quickly threw down his med kit. Taking his SCAR-H, Kevin aimed towards Sombra, who raised himself on a crystal pillar. Kevin burst fired, bullets bouncing off his crystal shields, as they floated around him. Kevin ran to the right, getting under the balcony, spraying with his rifle into the King. Sombra smiled, seeing as the creature's weapon was useless.

" Alex you have a shot take it!" He yelled into his mic. Alex nodded, the beeping of the rifle counting down Sombra's doom. Sombra squinted his eyes, the sudden brightness stunning him for a second. He looked up to the balcony, only for his eyes to widen. He had totally forgot about the threat above. His horn quickly glowed, his shield rising. Before it could fully dome over him, thunder shook the earth again, his shield shattering like a vase, the air pressure as well as the pain sending Sombra back by meters. He fell from his column, skidding against the ground so hard he made a ditch. His chest was ripped open, blood and magic seeping from his wound. His right fore hoof hung by nothing but a strand of meat, and his body was shaking from the adrenaline. Quickly, he turned back into his smoke form, before a barrage of bullets rained down on his location, as well as another rocket. He disappeared into the dark mist, as he began to quickly lick his wounds. Sombra was getting aggravated.

**********

Kevin sighed, dropping his empty mag as he reached into another ammo pouch. He looked up, pressing the mic.

" Hey can you throw down some ammo Cody?" Kevin said, as he waited for a reply. Cody's radio sparked to life, only for Kevin to wince in pain.

" CAN YA AT LEAST WARN EVERYPONY BEFORE YOU FIRE THE DARN THING YOU MOTHER BUCK-" Cody's mic cut out, before returning seconds later, the yelling inaudible while also sounding distant.

" Yeah hang on." Kevin waited with Zack, who lightly smiled, sweat clear on his face from the fight.

" I guess the rifle must be pretty loud huh?" He asked, which made Kevin shake his head with a smirk. Kevin and Zack looked up, a bag with ammo falling from the balcony. It landed five feet away, the two quickly walking up to it as the sound of ammo refilling could be heard. They scanned the dark smoke, rifles ready as they waited. Sombra was out there, but within the confines of the smoke, he was practically invisible, as well as safe. The zone basically healed the damn king. This battle completely depended on who couldn't recover first.

" I'm full, you?" Zack asked.

" Good." Kevin replied. They walked away from the bag, stepping back into the middle of the courtyard. " Alex watch out, I have a feeling he may try to go for you guys."

" Got it man thanks." Alex said, loading another Sabot shell as the second case fell. Everypony stared at him, with mixed looks of horror, and amazement. Cody loaded another case into his LMG, cocking the slide as he waited. Shining was the first to speak, asking what was probably on everpony's mind.

" How is it that you have such a weapon? I've never seen that in any nation's history, let alone Equestria's history." He said, seeing how the front seemed to turn red, steam coming from it's barrel as it cooled.

" Well, given the fact that we aren't exactly from around here, our technology is vastly different from yours. Ours is also more well built for." Alex lightly cringed, sighing as he readied himself. " Killing. We have built and tested these weapons in order to create the perfect killing machines. Next thing I know they're creating robots." Alex said the last part under his breath, returning his focus the his scope, scanning the smoke with his left hand ready to call Sombra out. Shining was about to say more, but the sudden change in the air made him lose his words. Back on the ground, Kevin and Zack readied themselves, aiming their weapons into void. Suddenly, a huge crystalline pillar shot forward, hitting Kevin in the chest as he was shot back. he winced as he grunted in pain, the feeling of broken ribs did not bode well for him. He skidded across the ground, his rifle sliding away. Zack aimed into the smog, burst firing into it. Another crystal shot out, barely hitting Zack as he ducked. He chucked another RGO into the smoke, the explosion piercing the darkness with the bright orange and a fiery red. Kevin got up, throwing down his med kit as he stood. He reached for his mic, about to call Alex again.

" Not this time I'm afraid." Kevin's eyes widened as he turned around, rolling to his side as he drew his pistol. Sombra raised a shield, summoning up black shards of sharp crystal as they floated in the air. Kevin shot three times, each pistol round cracking the shield, but doing nothing but scratch it. He jumped to the left as a piece was sent sailing towards him. He stood up, only for another piece to pierce his shoulder. He screamed in pain, clutching his left shoulder in pain. Sombra stepped back, the sound of bullet fire echoing behind Kevin as Zack ran up.

" Kevin get back!" He yelled, chucking another grenade as he pulled out his SMAW. Sombra growled, seeing the accursed tube that the creature shouldered. Five pillars of sharpened crystal shot up, making Zack dodge as he misfired. The rocket peeled to the right, exploding after impacting a nearby house. Cody watched, growling in anger as he aimed at the king.

" Go to hell you piece of shit!" He yelled, his LMG spilling cases as the bullets sped towards their target. Sombra yelled in pain as five shots entered his chest, blackened crystals pushing him back as he tried to move out of Cody's spray. Cody yelled in primal rage, his finger gripping the trigger with great force. Bullets kicked up the ground around Sombra, as well as penetrating his body. A bullet grazed his left eye, blood spurting out as he grunted. Sombra raised a crystal shield to stop the oncoming lead rain, his horn casting a healing spell. With his eye fixed, he was about to focus on his chest when his world became nothing but fire. His crystal wall was shattered, Zack putting away his SMAW as he pulled out his PDW, aiming for Sombra's head. The king roared, eyes turning green as more purple mist leaked from his eyes. His fur turned jet black, his horn bubbling with dark energy. Kevin ran forward, grabbing his rifle before sliding to his knees. Aiming down sight, Kevin fired three shots, all landing in between Sombra's eyes. His head shot back, blood spraying into the sky. Kevin smiled, before chucking a grenade towards the stunned king.

" ENOUGH!" Sombra's head shot forward, crystals piercing the grenade, destroying the explosive before it could even make a spark. Kevin and Zack stepped back, Kevin reaching to his mic.

" Alex now-"

" I don't think so!" Sombra bellowed, a crystal pillar the size of a plane shooting towards the balcony. Alex's eyes widened, as he turned to the ponies.

" MOVE NOW!" He yelled, pushing Cadence as Shining inside, before the balcony was completely obliterated, nothing but dust and the pillar. The ponies gasped, seeing as how Cody and Alex were not present.

" Alex!? Cody!? Are you okay!? Answer me!" Cadence yelled through the wall. There was only silence, each pony holding their breath. A pained grunt could be heard from the other side.

" I'm good Cadence. Just not used to this." He said. Alex layed in the crystals, his left forearm had been pierced through, his clothing, as well as his skin torn by the sharp crystalline surface. He heard a cough to his right, turning to his friend.

" Cody you good!?" Alex asked. Cody was encased in the crystal, his top half the only thing visible as he grunted in pain.

" Ugh, I'm pinned. Dammit Alex take the shot!" Cody said. Alex turned back to the battlefield. Kevin continued to dodge, but he had to abandon his rifle in order to increase his movement. Zack moved from cover to cover, using timing to his advantage as the two avoided the enraged king's attacks. Alex looked around, his eyes widening at the realization that the Rorsch was missing. He looked to his right, seeing nothing but the glistening surface of the mineral. He turned to his left, his eyes landing on the rifle as it lay within arms reach. He grunted in pain, as he struggled to reach for the weapon.

" Almost, got it..." Alex said.

" Well hurry! They need you now!" Cody begged, as he tried to reach for his LMG as well. As the two continued to struggle for their weapons, Kevin tripped over a crystal, causing a flying piece to graze his side, blood spurting from him as his clothes were torn. He rolled, hissing in pain as he did. Lying on the ground, Kevin quickly aimed with his sidearm, firing four shots into Sombra, who simply raised his red shield.

" Hate that you keep doing that motherfucker." Kevin mumbled, shakily getting up as he placed down another pack. His body began to heal, but before the gash could be fully closed, Sombra launched his attack. Blackened crystals shot up from the ground at random heights, as well as random areas, Kevin trying his best to dodge each sharpened rock. His legs began to become cut, a piece grazing his cheek, blood leaking down his face. Kevin pulled out his grenade launcher, shooting smoke at the ground. Sombra simply smiled.

" Pathetic. Such simple tricks will not help you. It will only delay the inevitable." He said, licking his lips. Kevin jumped back, using the smoke as a wall. He placed a med kit down, panting as he did. Sombra turned his attention to Zack, as he launched another rocket. Sombra stepped to the side, three pillars launching towards the boy.

" Don't you ever run out of those?" Sombra questioned, a bored look on his face. Zack ducked under the first, the second hitting him in the left side, before the third delivered the finishing blow, knocking him against the wall. Zack gasped for air, his ribs cracking as his lungs emptied. Lying on the ground, Zack lightly shook in pain, as he tried to stand. He quickly looked up, rolling to the side as a piece came shooting forward, cracking the wall behind him. Zack pulled out his glock, spraying into the unicorn. Sombra raised his shield, only for his eyes to widen in horror. Sombra's forehoof joint was kicked, making him fall. A hand grabbed his right shoulder, pulling him back to look up at the sky. His vision was soon encased by the mask of Kevin, as he raised his knife, the blade glistening in the sky. It came crashing down, blood spurting from Sombra's neck as he could feel his pipes filling with blood. Kevin twisted the knife horizontal, before forcefully ripping it out, making sure the teeth ripped any flesh it could grab onto. Sombra's throat was now a gaping hole, as if he had a smoke hole. Sombra fell to the ground, his vision becoming blurry as he tried to stay conscious. Sombra fell on his left side, his body becoming weak from the injury. He tried to stand, only to get kicked in the side. He was facing the sky again, but this time Zack stood over him. With primal rage, and an incoherent scream, Zack jumped on top of Sombra, plunging his blade into his heart, as he continued to stab over and over and over again. Each hit was in a different spot, but they still clustered on top of his important organ. Sombra growled. I will not die here! Not to these things! His horn glowed, rage filling his being. Kevin saw that their blades only weakened him for a short while, grabbing a grenade on his belt.

" Step back Zack! He's not done!" Zack jumped back, aiming his glock at the downed unicorn. Kevin chucked his grenade, the sphere landing on his chest. The two watched as the explosion swallowed the king, the sound of bones and meat being shredded echoed with the roar of the fire and smoke.

" FUCK YEAH BITCH!!!" Zack yelled, pumping his fist in the air. Kevin released a ragged breath, looking for his rifle as he relaxed some. Seeing his SCAR-H a few meters away, Kevin jogged for it. upon reaching his rifle, Kevin picked it up, cocking back the slide as he checked the mag. Seeing the mag being full, he sighed, turning around to Zack as he cheered to himself. Kevin was about to do the same, but stopped. He looked around, the environment nor fitting what they had just did. Why is the smog still here? Shouldn't it be... Kevin's eyes widened, as he turned to Zack, fear on his face.

" Get the fuck away from there!" he yelled. Zack looked to him, confused, before his eyes widened. Zack dove to the side, a huge mouth of gnashing teeth barely missing him. He rolled to the side, pulling out his PDW, shooting the monster as it roared. The smoke dived down, crashing into the ground before charging for the human. Zack realized his bullets were simply passing through, diving to the side as it passed. He stood up, turning to shoot the thing.

" Gotcha." Zack's world blackened, as he was swept off his feet. Kevin watched in horror, Zack being thrown back by a sharpened pillar. Zack smashed into the castle wall, Sombra's crystal holding him there. He grunted, his body becoming numb as he fought to stay conscious, the g-force throwing him off. He looked up, his peripheral vision becoming dark. He watched, as Kevin dodged Sombra, ducking and diving as he went from columns of black crystal to another. But he noticed something. Kevin continued to stare at him in horror. What are you looking- Zack's cheeks puffed out slightly, before he coughed violently, something wet splattering against the black crystal that held him to the wall. I can't touch the ground. Zack said, opening his eyes. He soon regretted it, seeing what he had coughed up. Blood. Lots and lots of blood. Zack screamed, the pain finally coming to him. His lowly hung against the wall, blood dripping down the spike, as it softly hit the ground. His stomach was pierced, the feeling wasn't like anything Zack had felt. Tears struggled on the ends of his eyes, as he fought to stay awake. Kevin could hear Zack's screams, as he tried to get close enough to help. he glared at Sombra, only to barely dodge a barrage of shards. Sombra smiled, diving down, giving Kevin a buck in the chest. Kevin staggered back, only for his leg to be encompassed by a crystal trap.

" FUCK!" He yelled, looking at his right leg. Up to his shin was simple black crystal, as if the ground had morphed itself around his leg. He looked up, only for his vision to be filled with darkness. The crystals broke, Kevin unconsciously falling to the ground, a black pillar had hit him in the side of the head. Sombra cackled, as he looked to Zack. He was shaking, his skin getting deathly white, as he coughed up more blood, his hands grabbing viciously at the spike. He looked up, glaring at the king as he reached his side.

" F-f-f-fu-u-uck... y-yo-you." He said, his voice barely above a whisper. I'm losing too much blood. Was the last thing he thought, his gun slipping from his grip as his head fell. Sombra simply shook his head, his smile growing.

" What a weak creature."

**********

Cody grunted in annoyance, as he tried to reach for his LMG. Alex in the same predicament, his arm still bleeding. He was starting to feel more light headed, the blood loss as well as the magic loss was not the best combo right now.

" Son of a bitch, what happened? It sounds like the fighting's over-"

" It's over for all of you." Sombra said, as he stood on their crystal pillar. Cody glared, quickly trying to reach for his weapon with much more vigor. Sombra shook his head, a crystal shard floating next to him as he lazily spun in the air. Suddenly, it crashed down, stabbing into Cody's shoulder. Cody screamed in anger and pain, grabbing the crystal as he glared. Alex was about to reach for his side arm, but was struck against the head, making him jerk back. Sombra grabbed Alex again, his collar in his hoof as he raised his other. Alex shook his head, only for another blow to cause his senses to dull. The another. Then another.

" MOTHERFUCKER!!! STOP! STOOOP!" Cody begged, Sombra continuing to hit Alex in the face, his forehead bleeding as his eye started to turn black. His cheek, then his lip, his face starting to bleed as Sombra kept a steady pace. Alex was numbed to the bone, he could no longer focus. Cody grabbed the shard in his shoulder, ripping it out as held it in his right hand. With primal force, Cody plunged the shard into Sombra's side, making him yell in pain. Sombra glared at Cody, bucking him in the side of the head, the helmet protecting him from the worst of the blow. Sombra walked up, charging his horn. Cody yelled, grabbing Sombra's forehoof as he pulled. Before Sombra could react, Cody punched him, the blow sending Sombra rolling down the pillar. The king caught himself, feeling his jaw as he stood there. His lower jaw was broken, his upper cracked. Sombra sighed in exhaustion, his magic healing him as he stood there. He could feel the hate pouring out of that creature, giving him the advantage. Sombra smiled as he walked back up, standing in front of Cody.

" So much hate insect. I find this extremely beneficial." Sombra said, his horn lighting up as he began to take Cody's magic. Cody screamed, his body thriving to break free.

" Hey! Up here!" Sombra stopped his spell, looking up to the top of the castle. His eyes widened in shock. A tiny dragon was carrying the Crystal Heart, showing ponies that watched from the windows. " I got the Crystal Heart!" Sombra growled, his horn glowing as he was ready to shoot the little Drake down. Cadence looked to her left, only for her eyes to widen in horror.

" He's here! Quick Spike!" She yelled. Sombra hissed.

" That is mine!" He summoned more crystals, his sight set on grabbing the heart.

" NOT THIS TIME!!!" Cody yelled, grabbing onto Sombra's leg. Cody used his full strength, blood dripping from his nails as he dug his fingers in Sombra's skin, Sombra yelled, kicking Cody in the face. Cody continued to hold him, a smile appearing on his face.

" Hey you bastard." Sombra turned to face the voice, only for his eyes to widen in shock. Sombra stared down the Rorsch, the barrel merely twelve inches away from his face. Alex held his left arm under the Rorsch with his mouth, his leg bleeding as well. His eye twitched from the soreness, the blood covering it as well from his forehead. Alex pulled the trigger, the countdown making itself known. Sombra could only stare, electricity bouncing to and fro within the gun, heat building up as the air pressure rose. " Eat this." Those final words were best described as perfect, the sabot hitting Sombra directly in the face. His body shot back, completely sailing off of the pillar. His skull burst like a melon, blood and bone spraying through the back, his lower jaw was the only thing somewhat intact. As Sombra fell, he cursed like a sailor, time slowing down as he began to regenerate. He watched as the dragon jumped, landing on the princess' back, the heart replenishing the alicorn as she flew down. She passed Sombra's falling corpse, landing on the ground where the ponies exited their houses. She cast a worried glance to Kevin, as he lay there, cut and bruised. Here eyes widened in horror as Zack hung there, showing no signs of life.

" Hurry! The Crystal Heart has returned! Use the light and unity within it so King Sombra does not!" She yelled, throwing the heart in the center as the ponies lit up. Sombra hit the ground, dust kicking up from the impact. Ponies did not pay him any heed, as his body quickly tried to re-assemble itself. Hurry!!! Sombra yelled, his head forming back as his body tried to stand. Sombra watched as the princess stared at him. The heart glowed behind her, the streets doing the same as Sombra could feel the power of the Empire. She glared at him, Sombra's eyes stared back. His head was still regenerating, the smoke dancing across his features as his eyes met hers. The first wave of magic pulsed, cracking the black crystals as it passed them. Sombra felt his body ache, the pain was far more excruciating than what those creatures used, his connection to magic becoming unbalanced. HE continued to stare at her, her glare keeping his gaze as another pulse shook his being. His body began to crack, the dark magic crystals closest to the heart already dissipating into dust. Sombra raised a hoof, a look of pure anger as he watched his hoof disappeared. He looked back up at her, mustering enough energy is his being to furrow his brow. His body was falling apart, the damage that those creatures had done prevented any regeneration. he did not have enough time to take the power of the heart if they were to use it. He cursed under his breath, watching as another pulse wave washed over him, warming everpony, but stung like ice within his very being, his magic becoming more unbalanced, like his body was going to malfunction. The heart began to spin at a much faster rate now, power charging as it planned to finish the King once and for all. He sighed, he did not feel anger nor fear. Just acceptance. Sombra looked to the ground, seeing as it lit up, rejecting his body as his hooves stung from it's power. He looked up, Cadence glaring at him with all her hate. The final pulse hit, shaking the ground with tremendous force as it rushed over the Empire. The final thing Sombra felt, was the taste, and power behind Cadence's eyes. Her hate. It was delicious.

**********

Cody was helped up by Applejack and Pinkie, both of them lightly panting from their tired muscles. After the crystals had dissipated, Cody and Alex were about to be in free fall. That is until Cody caught on the edge and Alex was caught by Rarity's magic, as well as Shining's. They leaned against the wall, their bodies ached as they bled.

" We need to get help, you're injuries aren't fully healed." Cadence said, helping Cody stand. He grunted, shaking his head.

" No... we need to see Kevin and Zack. NOW." He started to walk, a visible limp as his right side bled, his left leg clearly fractured. Alex got up as well, catching up to Cody. Cody wrapped an arm around Alex as he helped him walk down the steps. Cody looked to the ponies. A look of irritation clear on his face. " Well don't just stand there help! We're not gonna get there in time to fucking check!" The ponies quickly followed, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy flying out of the broken entrance to the nonexistent balcony, while the others ran down the steps. On the ground, Cadence held Kevin, examining his head as she healed him with her magic. Murmurs among the crowd spread as they wondered just what these creatures did in the courtyard, craters and shrapnel everywhere.

" No no no no." Cadence turned to the voice, a very shocked and fearful Fluttershy as she quickly moved to Zack, his body laying in a pool of his own blood. The ponies gave her space, her eyes filled with tears, not even paying attention to the blood as she knelt down, holding Zack's head in her hooves as she observed his body. He still had a hole in his chest, the blood showing no signs of stopping. Panicked, she tried to find something to stop it, anything to put pressure. Zack looked long gone, his skin a pale white, his body getting colder and colder.

" Zack... Zack!" Cody yelled, Fluttershy turned to see him and the rest of her friends, standing there in disbelief and horror. Cody went into hysterics, limping up to him, falling halfway. Cody crawled up to his friend, Fluttershy stepping aside as she cried into her hooves. Cody held Zack in his hands, trying to find any signs of life. " Zack hey man come on come back man..." Cody held his head, tears leaking from his eyes as he rocked Zack. " Please... please don't do this please." Alex only watched, his eyes dull as tears flowed down. Cody chocked, his words dying in his mouth as he sobbed. The girls could only watch as Cody pressed his head into Zack's neck, his muffled screams of agony the only noise in the courtyard. Alex turned to Kevin, an idea quickly popping into his head. Alex dropped his gun, focusing on nothing but rushing to his friend. Upon reaching him, Alex searched his body, Cadence giving him a confused look as she wiped her tears. Alex tried to pry off the small bag, but it wouldn't move. Growling in anger and frustration, Alex dragged Kevin towards Zack, Cody too busy crying into his friends neck to focus on the world. Alex lazily placed Kevin next to Zack, then proceeded to use Kevin's arms.

" Wh-what are y-y-you doing?" Cadence asked, nuzzling up to her husband as he held a stoic mask, trying his best not to weep for the human, for he had known how it felt to lose such a close comrade. Alex didn't say anything, only using his hands to make Kevin grab the small bag. Everypony's eyes widened, as Alex used Kevin to rip the bag from his belt, and made him chuck it between the two. The med kit appeared, making a soft splash in the puddle. Cody looked up slightly, as he lightly rocked Zack in his arms. Seeing the bag, his eyes widened in shock.

" Dear Celestia..." Cadence said, the hole in Zack's chest slowly started to close up. Realizing what was going on, Cody wailed into the sky, but it was not one of agony and pain. It was one of joy, a smile on his face as he stared into the heavens, thanking the universe for such a miracle. Alex cried into his hands, the feeling of relief was beyond words. The two looked at each other, before Cody used his left hand, grabbing the back of Alex's head. They pressed their foreheads together, laughing as tears of joy mixed with the puddle. But they did not care. Zack was going to live, and they were going to go home. That day, they were not friends, nor were they best friends.

Those four,

Were brothers.

Author's Note

Wooo!!! Finally Jesus H. Christ!!! Hope you enjoyed this chapter I really worked hard on this! And I just want to say thank you! Thank you for continuing to follow this story! I know it has been going pretty slow, and you're all probably sick of this concept, but you have no idea what it means to me, to be able to write for the enjoyment of others, as well as meeting you people, you amazing people in this community. Like I said, the feeling is indescribable, and I just want to say thank you!

I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and I hope you continue to follow this! As I usually say........

Keep on Writing! And Keep on Reading!