Equestrian Infection

Equestrian Infection

Part 4: The Ashlands

By: Twisted Ink

Sunset Shimmer briskly walked down the hall, moving as fast as she could. "Fuck, I'm fucking late... She's gonna kill me for thissss!"

She reached the door to the meeting with the representatives from Trottingham, finding it cracked open. She listened closely, waiting for the opportune silence during which she could enter. Instead, what reached her ears made her gasp and back away from the door in horror.

"Our options are wearing thin... We can't keep this a secret forever. Either war will break out or there will be a revolt!" She heard one of the foreign voices say, slamming their fist on the table.

"The Canterlot Black Sun Brigade has it all under control, I assure you. What we've done in your country is by no means in conflict with any treaty or agreement. The people have no way to properly rise..." Celestia told them, a calm tone covering her aggressiveness.

"Yes, we get that but if they find out what's happening, and that we are all involved and allowing it, it'll end terribly for us all..." Another voice, this one female.

"If that happens, I shall do as I normally do," Celestia said, her voice unwavering and firm.

"So another town off the map of the world, hmm? What good is this even doing for any of us?" The male asked with a distraught tone.

"Unfortunately the Solar Flare would be the only way. It's only trace is a cloud of ash as well as a scorch mark... A true mystery to all who don't know what it is," she explained with a chuckle, "Be glad we're not at war!"

Is she finding this funny? Maybe I should go in and see if they keep it up.

"As for what it's doing for us," Celestia continued, "It's helping us do better medicating, extending life, enhancing abilities... These live test subjects, even though they're unaware until things either go wrong or finish going right, are perfect for this."

Live... Test... Subjects?

"Now, my student should be here any second, so I ask we keep this meeting under the guise we spoke of around her, relations between our countries. She has a lot she could learn from this."

Sunset entered immediately, horror written on her face, and sat down next to her mentor quickly, "Sorry I'm late... again."

A day later

Sunset leaned down to examine a sunflower, checking the petals and stem for any damage. Once satisfied, she stood again, looking throughout the garden at all the foliage.

"They all seem in great condition, so the gardeners haven't been slacking," she told Celestia who stood near her in a pale yellow dress.

"Well, that's delightful to hear. These flowers all get transplanted around Canterlot monthly, helping it retain something of a natural elegance," Celestia told her. "I always know I can count on my staff to do right."

"If that's the case, then why bring me here to make sure?"

"Well," Celestia said, motioning for Sunset to follow her among the blooming colors, "You look like you've had something on your mind since the meeting yesterday..."

"Nah, it's nothing," Sunset tried to dismiss.

"You know you can come to me about anything correct?" Celestia consoled her, setting a hand on her shoulder.

"I know... I mean... I guess."

"Then please, allow me to help ease your worries my dear Sunset."

"What's a Solar Flare?"

Celestia stopped in her tracks and sighed, her hand falling from Sunset's shoulder, "I should have known it wasn't luck you walked in right as we finished talking..."

"I-I'm really sorry Princess, please don't think I meant to eavesdrop..." Sunset stammered, trying to create an excuse. "I'll do anything, just don't banish me!"

"Banish you? Heavens no, I wouldn't think of such a thing! Besides, being my student, you have a right for any knowledge you feel you deserve," Celestia told her with a smile, walking once more.

"Then...?"

"Oh, right. Well, at dawn when the Sun starts to rise and it's at its brightest and most brilliant incandescence, I can call forth its energy and intertwine my magic with the flames it holds close. From there, using a special encasing spell, I am able to call the mixture down and eradicate any area I choose. Due to the magic needed as well as the time frame, I'm only able to do it once every other day. Whenever I use it, I normally retire for the rest of the day. Why do you think we've never had a formal, long-lasting war?"

Sunset shivered at the description, "Have you ever used it for good?"

"Do you classify using it to end a war and save countless beings everywhere good?"

"How many innocents were killed?"

"Wh-what...? Do you really think I wo-"

"Answer the damn question!" Sunset growled, her arms crossed as she stared down the Goddess of the Sun.

"I will have you remember your position in regards to my own, you simpleton," Celestia growled back. When she saw Sunset was determined to stand her ground, she caved, "Two towns were wiped away. Completely gone. But it ended our first, and only, large-scale war and saved so many everywhere."

"Is that the only time it has ever been used?"

"Yes. I assure you that's the truth," Celestia told her, her eyes flickering as she spoke.

Sunset bit her tongue to keep from calling the Princess out on the lie, "Fine... As you say Princess. I think I'm going to retire for the evening." She turned without awaiting a response, walking back to her room.

"Why didn't you tell anyone? Expose her?" Twilight asked in disbelief.

"Well, my word against a Princess'; would you have believed me?" Sunset told her as they sat back in the castle once more, the night continuing along its path.

Twilight thought for a moment then shook her head, "Good point. How much longer did you study under her before you... you know?"

"Demon-bitch, right. Uhm, about a week actually. That conversation was actually part of the reason I sought to escape. Having nowhere to go, both in my life and in the world where I lived, I left to another. Now here we are."

"Some story. Glad it killed another half an hour before we died," Rainbow groaned, falling back on a couch in the castle library.

Applejack shushed her, "Well, how hard will it be to find a way out?"

"Not hard at all!" Spike told them, grabbing his backpack off the floor. "We've got something in here that will let us walk right out, thanks to Zecora."

He pulled out the Lapse first, the small creature still passed out asleep, followed by some food and the salvaged bottle. He handed it to Twilight, repacking the food and leaving the small creature out in case it decided to wake up.

"What is that?" Rarity asked, bending down close to it.

It opened its eyes slowly, letting out a small yawn before noticing the creature face to face with it. It immediately lunged, clinging to her face happily. As Fluttershy tried to help Rarity, the others grouped up closer, letting the shenanigans go on without hindering them.

"So what's it do?" Pinkamena asked, pointing at the clear liquid.

"With it, we can cross freely. Whoever drinks it can take anyone or thing with them as long as they are connected in some way," Silent explained.

"Then let's go now!" Rainbow told them, grabbing her bat.

"Can we really just leave everyone behind though? It's not like we can come back for them..." Twilight asked.

"Sug', ah feel as bad about it as you do, but if we don't leave soon, it's not going to just be them who've died... Even then, if we don't get out alive, this kinda things just gonna keep happenin'," Applejack explained to her.

Fluttershy walked over, holding Lapse in her arms while an annoyed looking Rarity stood silently behind her, "I feel bad for the animals, but from what I heard from Tweeter, most of them have been able to freely pass through the barrier. They just haven't been able to come back through. He also told me it seemed that we were one of the only groups left... Aside from one more at least..."

"Oddity!" Silent said in a gasp, "I-I almost forgot my own brother. We need to go now, Spike!"

"Oh shit, you're right. Twilight, you need to get going too. Meet me where the tracks go through the barrier," he told her, quickly grabbing both Lapse and his backpack, rushing out alongside Silent.

"Spike, wait!" She tried to yell after them. "That's where... We got stopped last time... Damnit!"

"We can take 'em if they're still there, right?" Rainbow told her, patting her back sternly.

"Yeah, I guess."

Sunset looked around, "You mean those dickheads who branded your hands?"

Rarity nodded, "That's also where we had some rising tensions... And Twilight kinda lost her calm for a bit."

Twilight looked away, "We all know I had more than enough reason to kill him. So no more on that, please?"

"Fine, but let's get going before we run out of time," Applejack said, grabbing her bag and axe.

The others nodded, readying up and heading out the door.

Silent shot down an airborne Feral, jumping over the corpse as she and Spike sprinted through the streets, throwing stealth to the wind. Spike stabbed and sliced anything that got close, whether they were chasing him or just in his way. As they passed by the house they initially met at, Silent took point.

"Are we sure we're doing the right thing?" Spike called ahead as they went.

"What do you mean?" Silent asked back, taking a few sharp turns.

Spike kept running after her, "If we save them they'll have nowhere to go... They've lost everything and everyone."

"My brother is in there damnit! I'd rather see them alive and lost than burning in hell."

Spike kept quiet, unable to dispute the point anymore. They rushed towards the house, stopping as they got near. The door had been busted in, letting the duo wander in with ease. On the ground was the splintered wood, along with scuff marks and blood splatters among the ground, leading to the back. Silent gripped her guns hard, terror flowing through her like a river. Spike put a hand on her shoulder before moving past her and entering the backroom.

"Hey, anyone here?" Spike asked as he opened the door.

He dropped his knife and pulled the door shut instantly. Silent watched him, immediately moving forward and shoving past him. He tried to stop her but she shrugged him off, opening the door wide.

Inside lay a pile of corpses, a puddle of blood formed beneath them. She could see the countless faces of the people she had helped find sanctuary amidst the chaos staring at her, their bodies fresh to death's hold. Their expressions were twisted as if wondering why they had died, but among them her brother was not found.

The top mare convulsed and let out a cough, "K-kill me..." came the low, watery cry. "For the love of everything... Please..."

"What happened?" Silent asked, coming close to the pile.

"They c-came and sc..." she trailed off, consciousness leaving her.

"Please... Stay with me, I need to find my brother," Silent pleaded, shaking her.

"Someone checked us f-for the disease... No one h-had it but some carry... they carried it... like me... So they sh-shot us, left us for dead, and took a-anyone clean..." the mare let out another cough, giving Silent a tearful look as blood ran from the corner of her mouth. "I h-helped you... Return the f-favor."

"Who though? Who took them?!" Silent cried, tears rolling down her cheeks as she shook the mare wildly, continuing long after she had gone.

Spike came in after the exchange was over, wrapping his arms around her tightly, "It's ok Silent, he's still out there somewhere. We just have to find him."

"He could be anywhere Spike..." she said, releasing the body and relaxing in his hold.

"Look at her hand, that's where they are."

Silent gazed down, feeling fury erupt as her eyes met the black Suns branded on the hands in the pile, as if mocking them all.

"You know..." Rainbow began as they walked along the streets, "I've seen our town go to shit super quickly a lot of times... This time feels weird though."

"It feels more... permanent," Rarity added, staring at the darkened sky.

Sunset sighed and leaned her head back, seeing a few Pegasi perched above them on the edge of the rooftops, "Careful, we've got eyes on us from above. You got them if they try to swoop in Pinkamena?"

"What remains for this place is death... Not for everyone, but for most. The ties that once held us here have been severed, leaving us to a chosen fate. What faces us once the deed is done?" Pinkamena asked in an emotionless tone, staring forward.

"You ok there sug'?" Applejack asked.

Pinkamena stopped, her eyelids fluttering before she collapsed. The others rushed, checking on her quickly.

"I-is she turning?!" Fluttershy asked in a panic.

"She wasn't bitten. If she was we would've known it..." Twilight said, her fingers at her head like a gun.

"Yeah... She's not one to let the group suffer," Rainbow added, hoisting the fallen mare on her shoulder.

"She had the same tone as my Pinkie did when I left..." Sunset muttered half to herself.

"Let's get moving, we don't have the time for this," Rainbow said, shoving forward.

The others followed, nearing the edge of town. Ahead of them a single Unicorn shambled out into the street with its claws at the ready. As if on cue, it was joined by three more on either side teleporting in. A few Feral Earth Ponies stumbled out of some nearby buildings towards them while the Pegasi flew down from the rooftops, finishing the entrapment. They could see the smoldering crater where they were to meet ahead, but the sight was blocked off as more Unicorns joined the fray.

"Everyone have one last fight in them?" Twilight asked, a dark smirk coming across her face.

Sunset unsheathed the machete, stepping forward, "First... Last... What's it matter anymore?"

"What's left to lose...?" Fluttershy asked, Angel grasping the shoulder of her shirt where he sat.

"Nothing," Rainbow said, setting Pinkamena on the ground next to them, her bat was dented and bloodied, but ready.

"But each oth-" Rarity was cut off as a Pegasus tackled her to the ground.

"Can't wait for us to finish?" Applejack asked, swinging into it with her axe like a golf club.

They all separated immediately as the creatures charged. Rarity took on the Earth Ferals first, slicing at them offensively rather than defensively as before. Fluttershy allowed Angel's power to flow through her, using her new agility to tackle the Pegasus Ferals, leading them on a chase through the sky.

Sunset and Rainbow stuck close to the unconscious Pinkamena, taking on anything that got close. Twilight and Applejack charged forward, Twilight's claws quickly starting to tear through flesh as the Appleaxe followed suit close-by.

Fluttershy led her pursuers through tight turns, catching a few of them as they hit walls and smashed through windows. With those she couldn't shake she flew down close enough to her friends for them to be able to take out one or two on each pass. The infected kept flowing in from all sides, entering the fight almost as quickly as the others were killed. They kept fighting at full force as the sun began to peek over the horizon.

"We're running out of time!" Twilight called out.

"Let's make a break for it!" Rainbow tossed out, caving in the head of a nearby mare.

"We'll never make it through," Sunset told her as the horde kept growing.

"Y'all got somethin' better?" Applejack called out.

"We fight until the end. I would rather have all of us go down together than screw us over through cowardice," Twilight ordered.

Rainbow sighed, "Seriously?!"

"Yes! For fuck's sake, just agree for once!" Sunset growled.

Fatigue began hitting the group quickly, each swing, slice and turn getting slower and slower with the undead numbers finally decreasing. Twilight and Applejack retreated back to the other three while Fluttershy kept flying. As her speed began decreasing, so did her lead on the Ferals in pursuit. The head of the pack reached out, grabbing her shoe and gripping tightly. It immediately went into a nose dive, pulling her down with it. She fought without result, her body giving in as she plunged. The Feral let her go before pulling up, causing her to crumple to the ground in pain, slipping into unconsciousness. The same Ferals that brought her down shrieked as they descended, ready to scoop up their prey and feast.

Rainbow immediately stopped fighting, taking to the sky over the attackers to save her fallen friend. The second she flew above the Ferals she felt her wing get snatched by a reaching hand. Rainbow struggled, tears of terror welling in her eyes as she watched Fluttershy's life countdown. She was torn away as teeth dug into her wing, drawing blood with ease as they pulled her down towards the crowd. Time slowed down for her as she heard Twilight scream her name. Rainbow watched as they fell limp to the ground around Fluttershy, Silent and Spike running in from the alleyway. Sunset pushed forward, quickly cutting through with all she had and grabbing Rainbow, immediately slicing through the base of the bitten wing.

She heard herself shriek, her ears ringing from the sound alone. Sunset acted quick and shoved the handle of the machete in Rainbow's mouth, taking the bat from her and helping to finish off what remained. Rainbow bit down hard as she lied there facing Pinkamena, her senses returning as the pain began numbing her. With the ground growing warm from blood, she saw her friends turn and crowd around her before everything went dark.

"This is going to shit fast!!" Spike told them, Fluttershy over his shoulder.

"Had you not shown up I don't think we would've made it out of this alive," Twilight said as she ripped off what remained of her shirt, leaving nothing but her blood-stained bra covering her top. "I need your belt."

"Hey, look, I get you're grateful but now isn't the time for this," Spike tried to joke as he tossed it to her.

"Not the time," she growled back, wrapping it around the base of the severed wing, trying to cut off the blood flow as she wrapped her shirt around the open wound. "This will have to do until we get out of here and I can seal it with magic."

"What in the fresh hell were you thinkin' Sunset?" Applejack asked, moving towards her.

Rarity stepped in front of her, "She was the only one thinking right. Had she not done that we would've had one more to kill by now, so back off."

"We don't have time for this... Applejack, grab Pinkie, I'll grab Rainbow. Tell the others to come on so we can get out of here," Twilight told Silent.

She turned away without a word, causing Spike to speak up, "Celestia's Black Sun people got to them... Almost every single one was branded, shot, and tossed in a pile. Those who weren't were taken, including her brother."

"Good thing we're heading to the castle anyways," she said, putting a hand on Silent's shoulder. "We'll save him, I promise. Just keep with it until then ok?"

"Thank you..." she said, hugging Twilight.

"Hey, we've got maybe 10 minutes to get out of here," Sunset said, motioning at the rising sun, nearly halfway above the horizon.

After a minute to settle, they began sprinting over the countless fallen Ferals, moving at their quickest towards the edge of town. Five more minutes later, they'd reached the barrier where they had been branded prior. The other side was completely clear, showing no opposition. Twilight pulled out the potion and downed it with no struggle, leaving very little left in the bottle.

"Everyone hold hands and go forward," she commanded, putting the nearly empty bottle in her bag. "No telling how long this lasts, so no chances."

All at once, every conscious member, with their unconscious ones held close, locked hands and held on tightly. They stepped forward, step by step, entering the barrier and moving to the other side. Almost immediately they fell to the ground in joy, setting down Rainbow, Pinkamena, and Fluttershy. Twilight rushed over, embracing Spike and looking to the sky to cheer.

She stopped as she saw countless Pegasi descending around them, each in the same uniform they'd seen on the guards before. The group huddled together once more, their backs to the barrier with the others in front of them.

"I'm afraid you're going to have to burn with the rest of them. We've extracted everyone clean and put them up somewhere nice for the time being. In every quarantine I've led, nopony has been left behind to tell the tale as they saw fit and this is certainly no exception," the closest one said, lifting his hat, revealing himself to be the same one they'd ran into before.

"Bloc..." Twilight whispered, "Don't do this..."

"I'm the Commander here Princess, not you. It's amazing to see your new look... Maybe we'll keep you to study, hand you over to that Zebra helping us."

"She isn't helping anyone now... Not with her head and body in two different places," Spike called out.

Bloc stepped back and readied his gun, aiming it forward, "You're too dangerous to keep around, so go back before I make a mess."

"You think yer so tough don't ya?" Applejack moved to Twilight's side, a few of the soldiers behind Bloc raised their guns.

"Hold on, let them have their moment. It'll be their last anyways," he chuckled.

"How about you fuck off you homicidal pricks? Do you think for one second we can't take you on? We're outside now, we are on equal levels. We have magic, you're all Pegasi and you'll lose every god damned time!" Rarity huffed, her knife levitating next to her.

"Each of you will watch one another fall before you can get a single shot off... We'll see to it," Sunset said, her machete spinning in the air, encased in her magical aura.

"But first, tell me where my brother is..." Silent said, her pistols drawn.

"I remember you... You and him got out a long time back, but he's back where he belongs with those other hold outs. Infected or not, I'm sure you remember how secluded your cell was? No risk of anything down there," Bloc growled. "Be a shame if all he had was a pile of ash he called a sister."

"Girls, Spike, stand down. This is my fight," Twilight said, motioning them back. "Me and you. One on one, no magic, no weapons, nothing. I win, we go free..."

"I accept. Besides, you're some weak little Alicorn who can't do shit. You Princesses are all talk, but never any bite. Even then, if I win I'll put a bullet in each of you while the others watch, then I'll let you burn. If you win, my men will just shoot you anyways. So, let's do this." He tossed his gun to a soldier behind him, taking off his white coat and revealing a black sleeveless shirt beneath.

"You can't be serious..." Spike began, taking her bag from her.

"I am... Just, be ready for anything, ok?" Twilight said as everyone stepped back, giving the two some room.

"We've got about three minutes until this starts so why don't you die quick?" Bloc said, swinging immediately.

Twilight dipped down, getting behind him and planting a foot into his back, kicking him closer to the barrier, "Yeah, hard to get hit when you swing like a bitch."

He growled and took another step forward, swinging once more. She tried to do the same move, immediately receiving an elbow to the face. Twilight crawled back as everyone watched, the barrier even closer.

I'll do what must be done... They can carry on without me now. I believe in them.

She stuck her tongue out as she got up, taunting Bloc into another swing. They stopped for a moment as a brilliant shine came from the sky, Celestia's cutie mark appearing over the center of the quarantine, shining in a radiance reminiscent of her mane.

Bloc recovered quick, knocking Twilight to the ground. She looked up, the barrier right behind Bloc who stood over her. She took a deep breath, looking over at her friends who remained clueless until she lunged. She slammed into Bloc, intent on throwing them both through the barrier, but unfortunately for Twilight he stood his ground and threw her back down. He straddled her, staring down as he slammed a fist into the side of her face, followed by a few more.

"Hey dickhead," Spike called out, facing the Commander who was on his friend. "Let's fucking do this."

Bloc began to laugh until Spike sprinted forward, catching him off guard and sending them both through the other side. Spike held tight as the others watched, Twilight still dazed. As she recovered she saw Spike keeping Bloc pinned within the quarantine, and immediately panicked.

"SPIKE. NOO!!" She wailed at the top of her lungs as she rushed forward, immediately thrown back by the magical force. "Nononono how did you... Spike, it's not too late!" She looked around frantically for her bag, finding both it and the now empty bottle tossed to the ground.

Spike looked up, the radiant Sun immediately turning stark black, "I love you Twilight... Thank you for everything..." he choked out. "Go kick Celestia's ass!"

As Twilight lunged and screamed again, the Sun pulsated, sending down a pillar of magical fire that quickly engulfed everything within the dome. The sky became solid ash as it was all contained within, building up more and more. A tear rolled down Spike's cheek as he stared at them, the flames instantly engulfing him and leaving nothing behind. Almost as quickly as it began, it ended and the fire was gone. The barrier shimmered and them shattered, sending ash in all directions and blotting out the sky above as it began slowly raining down.

Twilight sat there crying silently, the soldiers behind them readying their weapons, "We all know what happens next," one said, aiming at Twilight.

She turned, her eyes glowing bright red as she snarled, "WHAT HAPPENS NEXT IS YOU'RE ALL GOING TO HELL!" She screamed out at the top of her lungs, her words going to all ends of the Ashlands.

Before they could react, she moved in a blur and seized one in her grasp, tearing his wings off and flinging him as far as she could with her green and purple magic. The next was instantly decapitated and tossed away. She seized another with her magic, forcing his own gun in his mouth and making him pull the trigger. This caused the final two to begin to flee for their lives. She pulled them back as well, bringing them to her feet. She continued letting her rage control her as she stomped one’s head in with ease. The last one she lifted, staring him in the eyes.

"WHERE?" She demanded.

"Castle d-d-dungeon... Please don-" he was cut off as she bit into his throat, tearing away and swallowing before dropping the corpse to her feet. She followed, collapsing to the ground next to it.

The others stared with tears on their cheeks, in both shock and awe, unable to look away.

Is it done? Twilight heard from the void ahead of her.

"Is what?" She replied to nothing.

Back of the castle. Get here by dusk. Stay cautious, stay silent.

She tried to yell back but found herself unable.

Twilight woke from the nightmare not long after, refusing to open her eyes.

Just a bad dream... It's all just a bad dream...

She failed to reassure herself as she felt the warm ash falling on her back, the layer below her cool to the touch. She opened her eyes, her friends sitting around her, all now awake and alert. Rainbow clutched her wing, a blue nub now there thanks to Sunset's magic and quick thinking. Rarity sat there, her knees clutched to her chest with her blood-stained knife in one hand. Fluttershy clutched Angel, silently sobbing into his fur as he patted her in reassurance. Silent stared at the ground without expression, clutching her guns and Spike's backpack tightly, Lapse peeking out silently. Pinkamena sat there, spinning her barrel constantly. Her mane occasionally poofed and let Pinkie take a look around, only to retreat in fear of reality. Applejack sat there, drawing a finger through the ash, her hat next to her with a small layer atop it.

Sunset sat at her feet, staring down at her, "How ya doin'?"

Twilight sat up, knocking herself clean, "I... I'm not sure..."

"Your infection has calmed down, so at least you're you..."

Twilight nodded, looking at her body, "Yeah, regardless though I remember everything I did."

"Don't beat yourself up Twi', you did what you had to. Had you not, well, we wouldn't be here."

"It got Spike killed... Had I just used my magic then and there we'd be-"

Sunset cut her off, "We'd all be dead. They'd have shot you the second your horn lit up."

"Why didn't he just take him through and come back...? He didn't h-have to die..."

"Didn't you say you pulled one through? Obviously they can open the barrier as they see fit, so it wouldn't have solved anything. He did what he felt he had to... Do you think he'd want you to dwell on it or to finish the job?"

"You're right. We've come this far, we've been too broken," she stood looking around her at her friends, "We have suffered too much to stop here. I think it's time we finished this once and for all."

"We only stopped because your lazy ass wouldn't wake up," Pinkamena told her with a smirk. "Let's go find Luna and do this. I don't think it needs said, but Canterlot will definitely be on lockdown after this. From what we can see, the ash has spread that far if not further."

"Where is she?" Silent asked, petting Lapse softly.

"The back of the castle... Only thing we need now is a plan," Twilight said, her hand on her chin.

"Ya really think this isn't enough to make people not question us? Mainly you for that matter?" Applejack asked, beckoning to the sky.

"She has a point dear. Once everypony sees this, they'll panic and either evacuate or flee. Worst case scenario? The town's cluttered with people in a frenzy," Rarity explained.

"I hope it's a ghost town... That way Angel and I won't have to worry." Fluttershy said, drying her eyes.

"Best way to guess is to just find out," Pinkamena told them, holstering her pistol.

Twilight grabbed the tattered and bloodied Commander's coat from the ash it was in and slipped it on to everyone's surprise, "Then let's go. They need to know we're coming. They need to know to fear us."

After half a day’s walk, they found Fluttershy's hopes to be rewarded. As they stalked through the streets towards the castle, they saw neither citizen nor guard outside. The only signs of life came from the shutting curtains as they passed. A lone guard stood outside the gate, cleaning ashes from his helmet.

"Princess Twilight? You... you survived... What happened down there?" He asked innocently.

"Let us through, now," Twilight demanded.

"The Princess gave specific orders that no one was to be let through... Es-especially you for some reason."

Sunset stepped forward and sent her blade through his chest, stopping his heart in one go. She chucked his body into nearby hedges and pushed forward, "We have no time for this."

The others followed in agreement, making their way to the Royal Gardens that were behind the regal structure. Inside a gazebo stood Luna, leaning against a fountain and tapping her foot impatiently. She moved their way when she saw them, her blue dress flowing through the breeze.

"You're just in time. I've a plan for this that you should hear," she told them quietly.

Celestia leaned back in her chair, the table in front of her with representatives from three different parts of Equestria, with Luna sitting on the opposite side from her. The meeting room was large, curtains drawn on either side as well as a fireplace behind Celestia that remained unlit.

"What in the name of Tartarus happened?!" Asked a stallion from Las Pegasus.

"Seriously Celestia, what if our town is next?" Asked Manehattan.

"I can assure you for now that it isn't," she said, propping her feet on the table.

"How can you be so casual about this? An entire town was obliterated..." Vanhoover's mare said in an empty tone.

"Trust me. My sister and I have it under control."

"And what's your take on this exactly Princess Luna?" Manehattan turned towards her.

"M-me? Well, I daresay we are sending our best to investigate and once the problem is identified then we will deal with it accordingly," Luna explained.

"What of the fallen Princess? Will there be an announcement?"

"In due time there will be. Do not worry. As for Twilight, it is an unfortunate loss and in time we will deal with it as well," Celestia said, now sitting straight up in her chair.

"The sky of ash needs addressed as well..." Vanhoover said. "We've had reports of it spreading to the very outskirts of our town nearly a hundred miles west!"

"The ash, according to our scientists who have been looking into this since it started, will rain down for around a week at most. Unfortunately, there's nothing we can do but hope for the best," Luna assured them calmly. "If you'll excuse me," Luna said, briskly leaving the room.

"Sister... Where are you going?" Celestia asked, quickly giving up. "In a week's time, all will be taken care of, I swear this to you all."

"Even the treacherous Princess that saw a whole town vaporized in response to something she caused?" Came a new voice.

Celestia growled softly, "Show yourself..."

A gust of wind flew through the room, scattering papers everywhere, as Silent retracted her wings, revealing both her and Twilight within the fireplace. Twilight walked out, her horn ceasing to glow and revealing her friends scattered along the walls of the room. Celestia sighed, leaning back in her chair as the representatives sat silent.

"Princess Twilight!? What's the meaning of this? What's wrong with you?!" Las Pegasus asked.

"She caused it all. She did this to me and tried to erase all evidence of it ever happening!" Twilight explained. "She's done it countless times before and she will continue to unless she is dealt with, which is why we are here. We survived that blast and barely escaped..." she said, motioning to Celestia who sat silently sipping her tea.

"If you've come to kill me, I wish you luck. Once my sister returns you will be dealt with," Celestia told her, standing up.

"Can't use your magic after that can you?" Rainbow asked, brandishing her bat.

"So you knew? What cowardice... You strike when I am at my weakest... Nopony out there will believe your word against mine in the end. You'll be labeled traitors and be hung tomorrow if you try anything."

"No, they'll believe us and Luna..." Sunset growled.

"My sister would rather die than see me dead!" Celestia growled, kicking her chair across the room.

As if on cue Luna entered with a dark blue sword at her side, looking right at her sister, "You really think they set this up on their own? After everything you've done you need to be eradicated. You are a menace to Equestria and all beings in existence!"

Twilight pulled Sunset's machete from her bag and moved towards Celestia, "You will accept your fate and hand the kingdom over to your sister."

Celestia had a confused look on her face as she backed away, "You're being deceived! She's the one in co-" Her mouth was instantly covered by Luna's magic, cutting her off.

"She's told enough lies today, finish her," Luna commanded.

Twilight nodded, forcefully bending Celestia over the table. She grabbed her hair, exposing the back of her neck as she raised the machete. Celestia thrashed and screamed in fear, each sound nothing but a muffle. She stared her sister in the eyes, pure terror and hate visible behind the tears. Luna returned the gaze with a sadistic smile.

"Long live Equestria," Twilight whispered before bringing the blade down, slicing cleanly through the neck of the once-ruler of Equestria.

Twilight looked down at her deed, nodding her head in acceptance. She turned back towards Silent, who stood motionless, encased in Luna's dark blue aura.

"S-Silent?" Twilight whispered in confusion.

Twilight turned back, each of her friends constricted and silenced by the magic with the three representatives dead on the ground. Before she knew it, Luna was in front of her, plunging the sword through her chest. She stared up at the twisted look, the Royal Guard busting through the door behind Luna during the act.

"You've done nicely... Thank you for permanently silencing my sister before she could oust me," Luna whispered before turning towards the door and yelling, "Guards! Take these degenerates into custody and put them into the dungeon to be executed for assisting in the assassination of my sister," she said, pulling her sword from Twilight and kicking her to the ground, "As well as the assassination of the three representatives. The one here at my feet was the culprit, but has been dealt with. I will tend to both her and my sister's corpses. Inform the citizens immediately that the threat is over but unfortunately, I am now the head of the Royal Family."

Twilight lied there, her mind silent in disbelief as blood began leaking from the corner of her mouth. Seconds later, she felt her last breath of life leave her lips, everything going dark.

End Part 4