Canterlot High was in ruins. Barely anything was left standing after the battles that had occurred just moments before. Thankfully, the students and faculty were evacuated before the worst of the fighting began to affect the area.
Sunset Shimmer and Crimson Cloud had engaged the threat while the Fighters of Harmony protected the civilians as they made their escape. Afterward, they all joined the battle leaving Spike to lead everyone to safety which, it seemed, they were on the verge of winning until their enemies joined together to create a creature with phenomenal power.
Sombra, King of Planet Crystal, one of their past foes that had been revived by Tirek, Lord of the Demon Realm, who allied with Sombra in order to open a rift large enough to allow his army to invade and conquer not only the world, but the entire universe. Fusing together, they gave birth to Somrek, the “self-proclaimed” Lordking of Darkness, towering over everyone at 7’4 with power far surpassing anything Sunset or her friends have, combined. With just a flick of his hand, Somrek knocked out Rarity and Pinkie Pie, Twilight had used her magic to protect herself and Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash had transformed into her Super form while Applejack managed to pick herself up after flying through the school wall. Sunset had transformed to her newly mastered Super Saiyan 2 form and Crimson had used Kaioken x50 just to stand against it. While Twilight and Fluttershy stayed behind to tend to their injured friends, Rainbow joined Sunset and Crimson in attacking Somrek.
They were the only ones able to stand up to Somrek, but even they began to fall. The first was Crimson, who could not maintain his Kaioken for vary long was sent crashing through one side of the school and out the other side. Then Rainbow fell; while her power rivalled that of Sunset at Super Saiyan 2, her lack of warrior instinct that Saiyans inherently have always put Rainbow just slightly behind Sunset. Somrek blasted her straight up into the air with his energy ball attack, Dark Cannon, before landing on the school statue, reverted back to her base form, unconscious. Sunset managed to hold her own as well as inflicted noticeable damage, but not enough to win in the long run.
Standing before her strongest opponent yet, her friends beaten behind her, scattered around the battlefield as Twilight and Fluttershy did their best to revive them, the sunset glow framing the somber scene in it’s dark orange and red, Sunset, at her strongest form couldn’t help but crack a grin, her Saiyan blood boiling in anticipation for the battle to come.
Amazing. I’ve never faced an opponent like this before. He’s actually making me worry for my life. I’m not a fool; I know his power surpasses mine, that fighting him will undoubtedly be the end of me. And yet…
Sunset casted her senses behind her at the state of her friends.
At Cloud.
I can’t let that stop me from taking this monster down!
“Amazing.” Somrek bellowed, causing Sunset to train all her senses on him.
“What?” Sunset replied, thrown off by the prospect that Somrek could read her mind.
“What could you have to smile about? Your friends lay beaten around the battlefield, this world will be laid to waste once I’ve defeated you, and your insignificant power is all that stand between my armies invasion of your universe. Yet, here you are, smiling, indicating your joy of the situation. Why?”
Sunset couldn’t help but chuckle.
All that power and he’s still clueless.
“Shows how much you know about us Saiyans. We thrive in battle and live to fight strong opponents. I AM happy because you are the strongest fighter I have ever fought against.”
Sunset’s grin was so wide one would think she lost her mind.
“And the thought of beating you is beyond exciting!”
Somrek threw his head back and laughed maniacally before focusing on Sunset with a grin that was just as mad as her’s.
“Then what are you waiting for? Come! Meet your end!”
With that, Sunset launches toward Somrek, throwing her right hand back to deliver a powerful punch only for him to easily catch it which Sunset figured he would, bringing her left leg around for a kick. Somrek blocks it with his other hand leaving him open for a kick from her right leg, sending him into the air. Sunset charges him until they meet and vanish, loud booms caused by their powerful blows fill the air.
Applejack, healed and ready to fight, tried to find them with all of her senses only to come to a grim conclusion.
Those two are movin’ so darn fast, ah can’t even sense them. Shoot! Ah guess this guy is way out of mah league.
“I know you want to help, Applejack.”
Startled, Applejack tuned to see Twilight walking towards her.
“But as you are now, you would surely be killed.”
Applejack put on her most sincere smile, the sound of Sunset fighting ever present.
“Ah know, sugarcube. Ah just hate feelin so useless!”
Applejack lowered her head in defeat after admitting that until she felt Twilight’s hand on her shoulder. Looking up, she saw Twilight smile a sad smile and realized that she was feeling the same as her.
Powerless.
Looking behind Twilight, Applejack notice that Rarity was helping Pinkie bring Rainbow Dash down from the statue.
“How is everyone?”
After being blasted away, Applejack was forced to lay down until Fluttershy could heal her, but that wasn’t until Fluttershy and Twilight made sure that Cloud and Rainbow Dash weren’t dead.
Twilight removed her hand and turned to face her friends.
“Rarity and Pinkie aren’t at 100% but are at least able to help Fluttershy take care of Rainbow Dash.”
A dark frown appeared on Twilight’s face.
“From what Fluttershy has told me, Rainbow is in critical condition. If she had gotten to Rainbow later then she did…”
Applejack grew furious.
Damn that Somrek!
“What bout Cloud?”
Twilight looked in the direction Crimson lay, prompting Applejack to look as well.
“That’s what I wanted your help with. When he was blasted through the school, I went to make sure he was alive. When I got there, he was in worst shape then Rainbow. I stabilized him enough to help Fluttershy with you and Rainbow, but I’m afraid to move him alone. Could you help me bring him to Fluttershy?”
“Of course ah will.”
Just as Twilight and Applejack started making their way to Crimson, the ground shook as Sunset crashed into the street just behind them, causing Rarity and Pinkie to almost drop Rainbow.
Thankfully, Fluttershy was there to steady them.
Everyone looked toward the street to see a giant crater that reached from one side of the street to the other and Sunset in the middle of it, clothing torn, face bloody and bruised, trying to get to her feet.
Twilight and Applejack were about to rush over to Sunset’s side but froze when Somrek appeared before her, arms crossed and with a smug look on his face.
“Well Saiyan, are you still enjoying this battle?”
Sunset, gasping heavy breaths, finally stood up, looked into Somrek’s eyes and smiled.
“The time of my life.”
Locking her eyes with Somrek’s, Sunset turned to her side, positioned her hands behind her and charged her strongest attack.
“KaaaaaaaaMeeeeeeeeHaaaaaaaaMeeeeeeee…..”
Somrek continued to stand there, unfazed as Sunset’s red aura gathering in her hands. Twilight recognized how powerful Sunset intended to make her attack and shouted.
“Rarity! Your strongest barrier! NOW!”
Leaving Rainbow to Fluttershy and Pinkie, Rarity concentrated on creating a diamond barrier that covered the entire school. Worried it wouldn’t be enough, Twilight and Applejack used their combined power to reenforce the barrier just in time for Sunset’s attack.
With all the power she could muster, Sunset threw her hands forward, unleashing her most powerful attack.
The Burning Kamehameha.
“HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!
The energy wave shot out toward Somrek. The beam almost the size of Sunset’’s full height, radiated heat that could rival the sun as tongues of flame licked out from it, engulfed Somrek from head to his knees and continued past him, over the many houses, taking out a part of the hills outside of town, into the sky and straight into space, easily clearing the atmosphere. While the attack didn’t hit any of the buildings, it’s radiating heat burned everything it past from trees and houses, to the very street itself.
Even Rarity’s barrier was set ablaze just by being right next to it.
Sunset, unable to maintain her attack, stopped the flow of energy to it and stood there, arms stretched out and breathing heavily.
Rarity dropped her barrier, dousing the flames that were on it, and collapsed from using her powers while in a weaken state. Pinkie rushed over while Fluttershy stayed with Rainbow.
“Rarity!”
Twilight and Applejack stopped enforcing the barrier once Rarity dropped it and had turned toward Pinkie when she called out to Rarity.
What have I done? I should have known it would be too much for her!
“Twilight, look!”
Twilight turned to Applejack, who was pointing at the damage Sunset’s attack caused their hometown.
Damn it, Sunset! We agreed not to use attacks of that level in the city!
Twilight gathered her magic and launched a spell into the sky, causing storm clouds to appear that rained down on the areas affected by the attacks heat. Furious, Twilight shot a glare at Sunset for being irresponsible with her attacks and saw the area in front of her friend covered in smoke and dust as well as Sunset standing there, trying to catch her breath.
Applejack took a step forward in an attempt to see through the dust cover.
“Ah…can’t sense his energy. Is he…?”
Twilight wanted to believe it was over, that Sunset had blasted that creature to the damning pits of Tartarus. However, she learned a long time ago that it was foolish to jump to conclusions before seeing the results.
Pinkie brought Rarity over to Fluttershy and laid her down beside Rainbow.
“Rarity’s completely exhausted, just like I was after that party I threw when we beat Sombra last time.”
Fluttershy turned to Rarity, making sure she hadn’t develop a fever from exerting herself.
“Yes, and thankfully, she isn’t in danger of catching a fever.”
Satisfied that Rarity wasn’t in immediate danger, turned back to Rainbow Dash to continue treating her.
Pinkie watched Fluttershy work and was concerned she was pushing herself trying to keep all of them alive.
“How are you holding up, Fluttershy? You’ve been working nonstop since this whole thing started. You must be running on fumes by now.”
Fluttershy turned to meet Pinkie’s eye, taking note of the concern within them, and gave her a tired smile.
“Thank you for worrying about me, Pinkie. I’ll admit, I’ve never worked this hard before and I would love to stop and rest…”
Breaking away from Pinkie’s gaze, Fluttershy turned to see Sunset in the crater looking exhausted herself, then to Twilight and Applejack together, ready to move at a moments notice, and finally resting on Crimson still half buried in rubble, raising his head up and digging himself free.
“…but if I did, what would that say about me?”
Looking back at Pinkie, Fluttershy smiled brightly, then focused on Rainbow.
“Everyone is doing everything they can to put an end to this battle. I’ve never been much of a fighter and can’t do much in that regard. So, I’ve decided I’d focus on taking care of everyone’s injuries. And if I pass out for doing that, then so be it. I’ll know I gave it everything I had.”
Pinkie took in her friend’s words. She was proud of Fluttershy for having such a drive toward their friends safety and her need to be useful in this battle. Looking around, Pinkie saw all her friends giving everything while she remained useless. While no one would fault her for not challenging Somrek, Pinkie felt like all of her contributions since he appeared have been lackluster compared to everyone else, even Rarity and Applejack were able to do something to help.
“Everyone has been really great through this. Except me.”
Fluttershy looked at Pinkie, shocked.
“How can you say that? You’ve been a great help to all of us. Especially me and Rainbow.”
“Don’t get me wrong, I know me just being here helps everyone greatly, but I feel like I can do so much more. Like Rarity had.”
Looking from Pinkie to Rarity then back to Pinkie, Fluttershy couldn’t help but be happy at how much each one of her friends was willing to not stand around doing nothing.
“I understand, Pinkie. I’ll be fine here with Rarity and Rainbow. Could you go and help Crimson? I’m sure he could use some help right about now.’
“Right, Crimson! I almost forgot about him! I’ll go help him!
Turning around, both Pinkie and Fluttershy froze.
Sunset let out a gasp of surprise when the dust finally cleared enough to see through. Standing in the same spot, unmoved and virtually uninjured, was Somrek wearing that same smug look.
Twilight and Applejack couldn’t believe their eyes as they watched the dust and smoke slowly reveal their enemy, completely unharmed.
“Dag nabit! That no good dust eatin, behind smellin, harder ta kill then ah roach, piece of Sugar Honey Ice Tea! What’s it gonna take ta beat this guy?”
Twilight, slightly impressed with Applejack’s choice of words, had to agree with her friends colourful statement. Sunset is arguably their strongest fighter; if she couldn’t beat him…
Somrek had heard Applejack’s outburst before addressing Sunset.
“Your friend over there has an interesting opinion of me. Perhaps I should find out what the rest of your friends think.”
Sunset, still in her Super Saiyan 2 form, stared right at Somrek.
“I’ll never give you that chance.”
“I believe you. I suppose that means there is only one way to end this.”
Raising his right hand in front of him, Somrek aimed at Sunset while charging his Dark Cannon energy ball. As everyone watches Somrek prepare to kill Sunset, completely frozen by fear and powerlessness, Crimson finished digging himself out from the rubble just in time to see.
“Any last words, Super Saiyan?”
Crimson couldn’t believe he was too late to help.
Closing her eyes, Sunset accepts her end.
“…I’m sorry everyone. For not being strong enough.”
Crimson watches as Sunset admits defeat.
Somrek finishes charging his Dark Cannon.
“Farewell, Proud Saiyan.”
Somrek released his attack but to Crimson, time slowed to a crawl.
No Sunset. You’re stronger then this. You can beat him. You’re so strong, and brave, and…beautiful. I’ve never known a person like you before we met. Always pushing yourself to get stronger, inspiring me to keep up with you. Hoping you would see me as your equal and…maybe… Your power is what helped me to get stronger. Now it’s my turn to do the same.
“KAIOKEN X100!”
Hearing that, Sunset’s eyes fly open in time to see Somrek’s Dark Cannon energy ball coming straight for her and getting closer. Too close to dodge and too strong to deflect, her thoughts drifting to the one she just heard… Crimson appears right between Sunset and Somrek’s attack, the sudden shock of seeing him caused her to say one word.
“…no…”
The Dark Cannon energy ball crashes into Crimson, surprisingly without exploding, making him pour everything into maintaining his Kaioken until Twilight, having recovered from his sudden appearance, launched an attack that causes the Dark Cannon energy ball to finally detonate. The explosion covered both Crimson and Sunset in a smokescreen, blocking everyone’s view of them.
Somrek lowered his hand as he raised an eyebrow in response to Crimson’s actions.
“That was certainly unexpected. I was sure I had killed him.”
Applejack, finally finding her voice, turns on Twilight, angry.
“What in the name of mah Granny Smith were ya thinkin, Twilight? Your attack just blew them ta smithereens!”
Twilight turned back on Applejack, matching her anger.
“I had to! If Crimson kept reinforcing his Kaioken, the inevitable explosion would have destroyed the planet!”
All the color drained from Applejack’s face letting Twilight turn back to their friends still hidden within the cloud of dust. After first witnessing the Kaioken, Twilight had been instated on learning everything Crimson knew about it.
Including it’s destructive capabilities.
“At least this way…Sunset could…”
Twilight’s gasp caused Applejack to look in the same direction.
Standing in the crater was Sunset, the look of shock still firmly on her face as she stared at the back of Crimson’s head. He was standing with his arms out in an attempt to be big enough to contain the attack, his determination glaring at Somrek, almost saying “Is that all you got?”.
Extending her right arm yet too afraid to touch him, Sunset stood there, genuinely confused.
“Cloud…what have you done? Why? Why did you…?”
Crimson, as still as a statue with his Kaioken still going, chuckled lightly.
“Did you think….you were….the….only one…..willing…..to sacrifice….yourself? I…couldn’t….stand by and…..let you….die.”
With that, his Kaioken ended, effectively destroying Crimson’s entire body before he hit the ground before him.
“Cloud!”
Sunset knelt beside Crimson and turned him onto his back, cradling his head. Even with her lack of medical training, Sunset knew his body was a total chaotic mess, making his chances of survival very slim.
“Help….Fluttershy! Help!”
Hearing her name called, Fluttershy rose.
“I’m coming!”
“Leave them.”
Fluttershy watched Somrek focusing his energy to both of his hands before throwing them straight up into the air above him.
“You have more important matters to concern yourself with.”
Ow. My body hurts all over. That jerks gonna get it when I get my hands on him. Ow.
Rainbow moved her head from one side to the other in an attempt to shake the pain from her head. It just made the pain hurt more. Opening her eyes, she was confused at what she saw. To her left, Rainbow saw Rarity fast asleep beside her. Just pass Rarity, Rainbow could barely make out the two people standing beside the school statue.
Is that…Fluttershy and Pinkie?
Rainbow blinked her eyes a few more times then looked at the two beside the statue. With her vision cleared she was positive they were them; Rainbow tried looking further beyond her friends to see what they were looking at before looking up.
She found what they we're looking at.
Whoa! What. IS. That?
A large energy beam was shooting into the sky originating from Somrek, but unlike Sunset’s Burning Kamehameha, this beam stopped just short of reaching the artificial clouds Twilight had created. Instead, the beam slowly began to separate as Somrek drew his hands away from each other, creating a triangle shape in the sky. Rainbow looked on in awe and a growing fear; having missed so much of the battle, she was eager to get back into the fight regardless of how her body felt.
Until she tried to sit up, causing a sharp pain to shoot down her spin.
Owowowowowowowowowowow! Ow! Okay. Maybe I should hold off on moving for a bit longer.
Laying back down, Rainbow watched as the triangle grew bigger and bigger until it’s base was the size of Somrek’s arm length. That’s when she noticed something odd about it.
Why can’t I see the other side of that triangle?
Many red orbs suddenly appear all throughout the triangle’s surface.
Thaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat’s bad.
Twilight stared in horror at what Somrek was doing. Being well verse in most manner of magic, she was fairly certain of what the creature was planning to do. Somrek was using his power to create a portal to the Demon Realm. The answer to this problem was fairly simple, stop Somrek before he succeeded in fully completing the portal and unleashing his army into their universe. Looking from Somrek to his portal full of red orbs that were clearly the eyes of the demons on the other side to Sunset cradling Crimson’s broken body, Twilight came to the most logical conclusion.
We are royally screwed.
“Twilight? Ya still with me?”
Twilight shook her head then looked at Applejack’s pleading face.
“What? I mean yes, I’m here. What did you say?”
“Focus, Twilight! We need ya here, with us!”
“I’m so sorry, Applejack. Everything is happening so fast.”
“Ah know Twi, but as long we keep our heads, we’ll pull through.”
Inspired by her words, Twilight took a deep breath to calm her mind and steady her emotions before turning to Applejack with a smile.
“Thank you, Applejack. I feel better now.”
“Glad ta hear it. Now, do ya have any ideas on dealin with that?”
To emphasize her question, Applejack point to the portal.
“…no, I don’t.”
“That’s horsefeathers! Ya have ta have some idea.”
“I do have one…”
“Great! Then let’s…”
“…but we would need a power great enough to cancel out the power being used to create it.”
“…….meanin?”
Twilight turned her gaze toward Sunset then Rainbow.
“We would need Sunset and Rainbow’s help.”
Sunset didn’t know what to do. She had always been a fighter since the day she was born on her home planet, Vegeta, where everyone of her people where just as much a warrior as her. It was pure luck that she was off world when King Sombra had destroyed it, forcing her to travel the cosmos in search of a new home. This home, with her friends who, despite their rocky start, have become such a huge part of her life that she chose them over her fellow Saiyan’s, Adagio Dazzle, Sonata Dusk, and Aria Blaze.
It was after that battle that she met Crimson Cloud.
There were always guys that tried to form a relationship with her, the closest that came to convincing her of his worth was Flash Sentry, a guy that Twilight was fond of. Crimson, on the other hand had a quiet strength to him, keeping to himself more often then not. Long before their official meeting, Crimson would always take quick glances at her as they went about their day. Ever since then, Sunset has felt odd around him, not unlike how she feels when fighting. It wasn’t until her victory against King Sombra, after reaching the Super Saiyan 2 level, that she told her friends about this odd feeling. They had giggled amongst themselves and wouldn’t tell her why until she threaten to beat it out of them unless someone told her.
It was Rarity that finally spoke.
“There’s know need for that, darling. I’ll tell you. Although, I’m amazed you hadn’t figured it out yourself yet.”
“Figured what out?”
“You like him, darling. A lot.”
Looking at him now, Sunset began to really wonder about something she had never considered before.
Having a romantic relationship with Cloud.
“You damn fool. Why did you go and do that? You weren’t suppose to…not before I…before I could…”
“What…”
Sunset shot her eyes open to see Crimson, looking at her with tired eyes making her smile down at him.
“What…do you…keep….telling me? About…Saiyans?”
“We are a warrior race. Always seeking strong fighters. Always reaching great heights.”
“Never….giving up?”
Sunset locked eyes with him as she thought back to just moments ago, when she 'had' given up and became disgusted with herself.
A loud screech came from behind them which fell on deaf ears.
“Your…..power…..has always…..inspired me……to get……stronger.”
Crimson tried to reach for Sunset’s hand but was unable too, however, Sunset recognized the act and took his hand.
“Let………..my……..power………..in…spire……….you…..”
Sunset watched in pained horror as, simultaneously, both his eyes grew dark and his grip got looser until his eyelids closed and his hand slipped from her grasp.
The moment his hand hit the ground both Sunset’s heart and the barrier to her most inner power, broke.
Fluttershy was paralyzed by her fear for her friends. Sunset and Crimson were right in front of Somrek and his portal, injured and in need of help but Fluttershy knew as soon as she got closer, he would kill her or worst, use Fluttershy to hurt her friends.
The thought of being the reason any of them got hurt was unbearable.
Catching herself from sinking deeper into despair, Fluttershy took a deep breath and asked herself the same question she always asked when she was afraid.
“What would Rainbow Dash do?”
“Well, since you’re asking…”
Both Fluttershy and Pinkie stood straight up after hearing Rainbow’s voice coming from behind them before turning to see her propped up by her arms.
“…I would get up, stretch out my muscles, then ask you guys what was going on.”
“Rainbow!”
“Dashie!”
Rainbow managed to sit up straight before Fluttershy and Pinkie were by her side, being careful not to hurt her as Fluttershy made sure she was well enough to be sitting up.
“Are you sure you should be getting up? You were in critical condition not to long ago.”
“I’m fine, Fluttershy. Not 100% but enough to want to sit up. Let me tell ya, laying on the ground is not something I would recommend.”
Pinkie gasp.
“Oh my Gosh, Rainbow you’re so right! We should have gotten something a lot more comfy for you! Do you think Rarity would let us use her fainting couch?”
Fluttershy had gotten quite upset at herself.
“Oh no! I’m so, so, so, sorry Rainbow! I hadn’t even thought about that. I’m such a terrible person for forgetting something as important as that.”
Rainbow looked from Pinkie to Fluttershy, completely caught off guard by their responses.
When will it stick that I need to watch what I say around these two? Sheesh.
“Guys. Guys! It’s fine! I’m sure you did everything you could with what you had. You managed to keep me alive, after all. Thanks, both of you.”
After hearing that, Fluttershy felt a lot better about herself. Pinkie, however became so sad her hair was close to deflating.
“I can’t say that I did nearly as much as everyone else has.”
Rainbow looked at Pinkie then to Fluttershy for clarification just before a loud screech pierced through the air, getting everyone to look at the portal.
“That’s right my soldiers. Come forth and spread the name of Somrek, Lordking of Darkness, to the farthest corners of the Universe!”
Applejack braced herself beside Twilight, ready for what would came their way.
“You know the plan, right Twi?”
“I do. Don’t worry about that, I got your back.”
Applejack nodded in response then prepared herself. The plan was simple; they were the first line of defence between the demons and their realm. Twilight will use her magic and maneuverability to keep them from escaping while providing Applejack with a clean shot to send them back through the portal. Until Rainbow fully recovered and Sunset…it would be up to them to fight an army of bloodthirsty demons and protect their whole universe.
No pressure.
Another screech filled the air, then another, and another, until…
“Here they come!”
“RrrAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!”
Sunset screamed.
The entire planet shook, causing the remains of the school to collapse, buildings to topple over, cracks to form along the ground that grew and reached far off into the horizon. Fluttershy grabbed Rainbow while Pinkie had Rarity before dashing away from the school building as Twilight and Applejack did everything they could to stay on their feet, eventually taking to the air. Somrek, with all his power and physical strength, was forced away from the portal, effectively closing it.
“No! How could..?”
One look at Sunset told him all he needed to know.
Sunset was on her feet, head hunched over as if allowing something to come out that would be harder to do so while standing straight. As her power rose higher then even she thought possible, Sunset began to feel changes throughout her body, both familiar yet different. The first thing that happened was her hair began to grow, and grow, and grow until it met and surpassed Adagio’s length by nearly reaching her knees. Once the feeling in her hair stopped, Sunset felt something around her eyebrows, as if the very heat from her power was burning them away, all the while the lightning bolts around her body grew in intensity. After all that was done, the transformation just needed one last push.
“RRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!”
Sunset’s final scream was so powerful, it shattered the barrier that was keeping Somrek’s demons from escaping. However, the demons were hesitant to go through for fear of her awesome power. In the end, only a handful of demons braved it and had managed to break through before the portal finally closed.
Only after the planet started to settle down did Twilight and Applejack dare to land, with Applejack all too aware of the demons that had appeared into their world.
“Twilight, we got company.”
Applejack waited for a response, never taking her eyes off of the 7 demons that had appeared. When no answer came, she dared a look back.
“Twi…”
One of the demons took that opportunity to charge her, claws and fangs at the ready.
Applejack, expecting the attack but not the speed of it, was caught off guard and had considered herself as good as dead.
Then the demon vaporized right in front of her.
Applejack, as well as the other demons, were dumbfounded by what had happened.
“Twilight, what happened ta that demon?”
“It was Sunset.”
No longer afraid one of the demons would attack, Applejack looked in Sunset’s direction.
She had no words.
“I’m sorry, Rainbow. Are you okay? Where does it hurt?”
“In order; don't apologize, you saved my life…again. I’ve been better and everywhere. Ow.”
Fluttershy had laid Rainbow up against a piece of the school that had broken away during the earthquakes while Pinkie, somehow, managed to find Rarity’s couch and placed her down on it.
I’ve stopped wondering a long time ago.
While trying to get her self comfortable, Rainbow heard Pinkie gasp but just as she looked at her, Fluttershy gasped as well.
“Oh my.”
“What?”
“It’s Sunset. She’s…she’s….”
Rainbow looked at Sunset and a party cannon of emotions and words exploded within her. There was only one word that managed to escape her speechless lips.
“…awesome.”
Unbelievable. Unthinkable. Impossible. The power. The power Somrek was feeling pulsating from Sunset was unfathomable. He was the result of the fussing of two extremely powerfully forces; King Sombra, ruler of a Galactic Empire that cover three quarters of the Universe. Lord Tirek, Lord of the Demon Realm who's reign over it lasted for a millennium. He was Somrek, The Lordking of Darkness. The most powerful force this reality has ever known.
HOW COULD A SINGLE SAIYAN HAVE SURPASSED ME?
Eyeing Sunset with a critical eye, Somrek, reluctantly began to study her new form.
This form is utterly ridiculous! Her physical changes are absurd, not to mention how impractical her hair is during combat. And the eye brows! What’s with that?
Turning toward the demon she had vaporized, Somrek couldn’t help but be in awe.
I hate to admit it, but I…have to acknowledge her power. I didn’t even see her move let along fire an energy beam strong enough to vaporize one of my demons.
After analyzing this new development and taking a moment to properly composing himself, Somrek began devising a plan.
Wow. Just. Wow.
Sunset was blown away by the power she had obtained. A power that had lied dormant within her all this time…and it took Cloud’s sacrifice to bring it out. Sunset was greatly impressed with this form after her little test on that demon, barely registering her arm moving let alone generating enough power to vaporize it. Taking a moment to assess her new form, Sunset discovered that with it’s great power, came critical drawbacks.
If I’m not careful, this form, this Super Saiyan 3, could greatly damage my body.
Sparing a glance at Cloud, Sunset’s face grew grim.
Or maybe do far worst.
Sunset glared at Somrek, then spoke, her words reaching his core.
“You’ll pay for this.”
Somrek could feel her stare piercing him in every way possible, threatening to paralyze him with his fear. Turning toward his remaining 6 demons, Somrek tried very hard to keep his voice even.
“What are you waiting for? Attack!”
The demons that had appeared were among the Demon Realms strongest, some of which could have rivalled Tirek himself, the 3 that couldn’t didn’t hesitate obeying his command. They all charged Sunset and began attacking the second they reached her, scratching, kicking, even launching energy attacks.
All the while, Sunset appeared to never have moved.
Rainbow, Fluttershy, and Pinkie watched in horror as the demons attacked Sunset, who did nothing to stop them. Pinkie, tired of standing around, lost it.
“I can’t take it anymore! We have to help!”
Fluttershy grabbed Pinkie’s arm, fearing she would take off.
“We can’t! If we get involved, we would be hindering Sunset, not helping her!”
“But their ganging up on her! She’s in trouble!”
“Relax Pinkie. Sunset’s just fine.”
Pinkie and Fluttershy both gave Rainbow a look.
“How can you be so sure? Just look!”
Rainbow grinned at them.
“I am looking.”
Turning back toward Sunset, Pinkie began to notice what was really going on; yes, she was just standing there, however her attackers attempts to hit her all seemed to be…passing right through her.
That’s when she got it.
“She’s…moving faster then the eye can see…”
“Easily dodging anything those jerks can throw at her.”
Pinkie was awestruck. Sure, when Sunset and even Rainbow were at their strongest, they would move so fast, no one could see them, but everyone could still sense where they were.
She couldn’t even sense how Sunset was moving and she was practical standing right in front of her.
“Fluttershy, is there anyway you can speed up my recovery?”
Pinkie turned toward Rainbow with concern as Fluttershy knelt beside her.
“I…could try. But It might be dangerous.”
“That’s fine. Just do what you can. ”
As Fluttershy began healing Rainbow, Pinkie glanced at Sunset than back to Rainbow, curiosity getting the better of her.
“What’s the hurry? Do you think Sunset will need our help soon?”
“Hardly. I’m more worried about us.”
Rainbow turned her gaze from her friends to the three remaining demons floating just pass Twilight and Applejack.
Dodging the group of demons attacking her was starting to get boring. To their credit, these demons were powerful enough to give her friends a honest challenge.
But for Sunset…
The demons backed off, finally noticing their lack of contact with their attacks. Somrek and the other demons that didn’t attack had watch them carefully, studying Sunset’s power and movements as best they could. One of the demons that had attacked was growing frustrated.
“What’s going on here? My attacks are going right through her! Why is she still standing?”
“Because…”
In the split second it took the demon to look at her, Sunset had used her hand to clearcut it’s head clean off.
“…to me…”
Her second victim never even sensed Sunset as she chopped her hand through it from head to groin.
“…you're nothing…”
The final demon had enough sense to raise his guard, futile as it was, before Sunset appeared before him.
“…but harmless flies.”
The demon had wanted to blast her with an energy attack from his mouth, but never had a chance to prepare it before Sunset thrust her hand through his chest. To insure the demon wouldn’t survive, Sunset had torn out his heart, then, while looking into his pain stricken face, crushed it before pulling her arm free from his body, then locking eyes with Somrek.
“This is the power of Super Saiyan 3.”
The demon and his heart landed on the ground at the exact same time.
Twilight’s face was ghostly white after witnessing Super Saiyan 3 Sunset Shimmer’s display of overwhelming power against the demons that were foolish enough to attack her. Being just a few yards away, she had a perfect view of Sunset, yet even she was unable to follow her movements until long after Sunset had made them. It wasn’t until she witnessed Sunset killing the last of her attackers had Twilight felt the need to throw up.
Despite everything they had been through, Twilight still had her limits.
“Incredible.”
Twilight tore her gaze away from Sunset and turned to Applejack.
“Yes. Her power truly is frightening.”
"Ah wasn’t talkin bout her power, Twilight. Ah was talkin bout Sunset herself.”
“In what way?”
“Ever since we met her, Sunset has always been…driven. From fightin ta relaxin and everything in between. Like, no matter what it was she had ta be the best at it. Ah’ll admit, at times it got ah little out of hand.”
Applejack chuckled, thinking about one such time, to which Twilight guessed was when Sunset had tried her hand at cooking.
She hadn’t set foot in a kitchen since.
“But more often then not, her drive carried her through whatever challenge she faced. Thinkin about it, ah have ta wonder how much of the strength we have is thanks ta her.”
Turning from Applejack to look at Sunset, Twilight had to wonder that herself. How many times had Sunset insisted they develop their skills and powers? How often did she see Sunset push herself to her breaking point and beyond? How many of their close call victories were the result of her unrelenting will? Even now, when things were at there worst and on the verge of losing everything they held dear, Sunset was defying expectations and growing stronger then ever before.
“You’re right, Applejack. She has influenced our lives enough for us to grow stronger then we thought possible.”
Twilight looked up at the remaining 3 demons, determination written on her face.
“And it’s about time we proved it.”
Sunset glared at Somrek, her intent to kill hard to miss. However…
“Somrek. Let’s finish this elsewhere. Someplace where we won’t be interrupted.”
Somrek couldn’t believe the Saiyan would make such a request, but looking closer, behind that killer intent, he saw it.
She was concerned for her friends.
“And why should we? Could it be you have concerns for your friends safety? I’ll be the first to acknowledge your awesome power.”
The piercing sound of Rainbow’s squee at hearing that, could be heard by all.
“But even you can not protect your friends from me and my kin.”
“Are you willing to stake your life on that?”
“I am no fool, Saiyan. I know full well you would try. However, take a look around.”
Sweeping his arm around to illustrate his point, Somrek had been referring to the damaged Sunset had caused.
“All this damage was the result of your transformation. Imagine the destruction our fighting will cause? But you know this. Why else suggest moving our battle elsewhere. You are as transparent as you are powerful.”
“You talk of transparency, yet argue my request. You know I’ve surpassed you. Refusing my suggestion just proves your weakness.”
“Maybe it does. But when victory is so close at hand, I will take every advantage I have. Scorpan!”
Hearing his name, Scorpan floated in front of the other demons.
“Yes, Lordking Somrek?”
“Eliminate the Saiyan’s weakling friends. Starting with her.”
To Twilight’s horror, the person Somrek had chosen was Rainbow Dash.
“No!”
Twilight and Applejack turned to help protect Rainbow when the other two demons Garble, a dragon looking demon and Maniac, a she demon blocked their path, leaving Pinkie to protect Fluttershy while she worked on healing Rainbow Dash, alone. Pinkie was thankful she had enough sense to move Rarity behind the chuck of school they were at and out of harms way.
“At once, my Lordking.”
Sunset was about to attack Scorpan when Somrek spoke up.
“I would not move, Saiyan. Those three are far stronger then the ones you have already killed. They will force you to use much more of your power and who knows how much dama…”
And just like that, both Sunset and Somrek disappeared.
Twilight dared to look at Somrek as her attention was on the dragon demon in front of her, Twilight hadn't notice them vanish.
“Where’d they go?”
Garble took a step forward, earning Twilight’s angry glare.
“You should be more worried about yourself, human. You have problems of your own.”
Scorpan slowly made his way toward Rainbow Dash.
“I will eliminate the wounded one while you two deal with them.”
True to her name, Maniac grinned an insane smile as she locked eyes with Applejack.
“Whatever you say Scorpy! Hehehehe I’m going to take such good care of you, Ponytail! Hahahahahahaha!
Applejack felt a very cold chill run down her spine when Maniac said that.
Why me?
As Scorpan made his way over, Fluttershy began to panic.
“He’s coming! He’s coming! I-I-I-I haven’t finished H-h-h-h-healing you yet!”
Rainbow looked from Scorpan to Fluttershy, knowing full well she needed more time.
Damn it! I knew this was gonna happen! I have no choice! I have to…
“How much time do you need?”
Rainbow and Fluttershy looked at Pinkie as she stood before them, ready to meet Scorpan, which filled Fluttershy full of dread.
“Pinkie, you ca…”
“HOW MUCH?”
A little hurt by Pinkie’s harsh tone, Fluttershy remembered how useless Pinkie felt all this time and wanted to do more to help.
To Pinkie, this was her chance.
“…Ten minutes. Maybe more.”
Hearing that, Pinkie took a very deep breath, held it for a few extra seconds, then exhaled, slowly.
“In that case, I’ll hold him off for twenty minutes. I Pinkie Promise”
“Pinkie…”
“You got this, Pinkie Pie.”
Fluttershy looked at Rainbow who had a grin that said she believed in her friends ability.
“You better get started, Fluttershy.”
Smiling, Fluttershy began poring her healing energy into Rainbow just as Scorpan landed right in front of Pinkie.
“Move aside, girl. Or do you wish to be the first of my victims?”
“Unless you intend to pull a harmless prank on her, I won’t let you anywhere near Rainbow or Fluttershy or any of my friends!”
With that, Pinkie powered up to her max, bracing herself.
“So be it.”
No one moved. Twilight, Applejack, and Pinkie stared down their opponents, ready to fight the single, greatest battle of their lives. Garble and Maniac were itching to start while Scorpan remained chillingly calm. A light breeze blew through the ruins of Canterlot High, giving just enough of a push to cause a pencil on the top of a still standing part of the school to roll over the edge.
As the sound of fighting echoed through the air, Rarity began to stir.
The ground shook with the impacted of Somrek barreling through towers of rock before crashing into the middle of a canyon, millions of miles away from Canterlot High. Sunset landed on a rock tower that overlooked the spot she had thrown Somrek into and waited. Before half a minute passed, Sunset felt her tower shake as well as Somrek’s rising power until…
“…rrrrrraaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAH!”
The force of Somrek’s power shot the boulders that covered him into the air in all directions. The ones that headed for Sunset burned away by her radiating power before they got near her. Raising out of the impromptu grave of his, Somrek glared daggers at Sunset the second they locked eyes.
“You realize by leaving, you have doomed your friends.”
Sunset allowed a smile to creep onto her face.
“You made it quite clear that me being there would do more harm to them. I figured if you weren’t going to go willing…. Besides, I believe in my friends power. Their stronger then you think.”
Disliking having to look up at his opponents, Somrek flew up and landed on another rock tower that was taller then the one Sunset stood on.
All the while never breaking eye contact with her.
“You put a lot of faith in humans. Such a weak species. What could they possible have that you would do something so foolish?”
“You ask a lot of questions for someone intent on killing me.”
“I have a little something called ‘curiosity’. Heard of it?”
“I call it stalling.”
Sunset disappeared from Somrek’s view before landing a kick that sent him flying through the canyon. With no time to think about the pain in his jaw, Somrek forced himself to stop in time to fire his Dark Cannon at Sunset who appeared on his left. Sunset deflected the energy ball away with her right arm before using her left one to block Somrek’s kick, then countered with a right jab, too fast for him to block that sent him flying into the canyon wall. Sunset floated there, never losing track of her opponent as he launched a volley of energy blasts. Sunset easily deflected the ones that came right at her until one detonated as soon as she touched it; while not causing any damage, it was enough to make Sunset lose site of Somrek.
“Clever.”
Throwing her senses around the area too late, Sunset was sent hurdling toward the ground by Somrek’s sneak attack which he followed up with more powerful energy blasts raining down on her.
Throwing his arms out to his sides, Somrek gathered as much energy as he could before bringing them together in front of him, aiming at Sunset.
“Let us see you survive this! Dark Flash!”
A huge black energy beam shot from his hands to where he knew Sunset would be, confident she would rather take the blast herself before allowing him to destroy the planet. Feeling the beam hit her, Somrek poured even more of his power into the attack causing the impact area to explode.
Somrek ceased his attack to admire his work.
“Super Saiyan 3 or not, no one could have survive that unscathed.”
“I hope that wasn’t your best attack.”
Disbelief washed over his face as Somrek watched Sunset ascend from the smokescreen, completely unscathed.
“If it is, you’d better start begging for your life now.”
Sunset levelled out with Somrek, her signature cocky grin enveloping most of her face. Using her immense power and enhanced senses, Sunset had not only stopped the attack from hitting the planet but found it’s weakest point. By pouring her energy into that point, Sunset was able to break up and disperse the energy beam.
Somrek matched her grin with his own.
“Being a warrior yourself, you must know that there are many ways to fight a battle.”
“That seems to imply that you have more tricks up your sleeve.”
“You say tricks, I say strategy.”
They continued to watch one another until they rushed forward, exchanging blows faster then humanly possible, causing the very landscape to crack and crumble, disappearing then reappearing as there powerful attacks made booming sounds that shaped the battlefield with each connected hit.
If there was one thing Twilight was proud of it was her intellect. Being the strategist of her friends, among other things, Twilight was confident she had a plan of attack for whatever foe stood against them.
This day was sorely proving her wrong.
Floating above the street away from Applejack’s fight, Twilight was starting to feel the effects of her own battle with this dragon demon, who was considerate enough to have told her his name.
“Don’t tell me you’re giving up?”
Annoyed at his jab, Twilight faced Garble, who was floating just above her.
“I suppose my expectations were too high for you, Human.”
“Then allow me to exceed them!”
Twilight charged Garble, catching him off guard with her frontal assault, then used her teleportation spell to disappear, further throwing him off guard.
“Where did…”
To late to defend himself, Garble felt Twilight appear a few feet behind him as she rocketed toward him with incredible speed. Using the momentum of her charge combined with the precise timing of her teleportation, Twilight had reached incredible speeds before landing a solid right punch to Garbles face, sending him hurdling toward the ground, creating another large crater in the street.
Argh. I just know the mayor’s gonna hold me responsible for all this.
Throwing her arms up, Twilight began drawing energy from the electrical currents her artificial clouds had stored within them and mixed it into the energy she gathered for her strongest attack.
Holding her arms out toward Garble, who was slowly standing up, unleashed her electrically charged super attack.
I feel like such a hypocrite.
“Heaven’s Might!”
The purple beam shot from her hands, electricity dancing about it’s surface, and crashed into Garble just as he looked up; the resulting explosion large enough to draw everyone’s attention. Keeping her eyes trained on the ground, Twilight cased her senses out to discover that Scorpan was watching her.
That’s right. Pay attention to me. Hopefully this will give Fluttershy more time to heal Rainbow Dash and Pinkie a chance to catch her breath.
Twilight wasn’t surprised when she sensed Applejack still fighting with her opponent, never allowing anything to distract her, making Twilight crack a smile.
And she thought Sunset was driven.
“I’ll admit, you're stronger then I gave you credit for.”
As Garble rose from the dust cloud her attack had caused, the smile on Twilight’s face turned into a frown.
“But you would be a fool to start celebrating now.”
“You are something else, Ponytail! Hehehe A huge explosion goes off twenty feet away and you don’t even flinch. Hahahaha! I knew you were going to be fun to play with!”
Matching Maniac blow for blow, Applejack continued her assault of quick punches and kicks while biding her time for a chance to deliver one of her famous heavy punches. While no where near the strongest in terms of power, Applejack was second to none in physical strength, giving her an edge whenever she spared with Rainbow or Sunset.
“No sense stoppin ta watch the fireworks. Not when ah have you ta deal with.”
“Oh, it feels just wonderful being the focus of your attention, Ponytail. it makes me all tingly inside. Hahahah…”
Spotting an opening in Maniac’s guard, Applejack was able to land a direct hit to her opponents gut that sent her flying into the school ruins. Applejack was never the type to get distracted easily from whatever tasked she was doing, but with Maniac gone for the moment, Applejack took this chance to see how her friends were holding up.
One glance in Twilight’s direction told her that she was able to hold her own against Garble, but could only guess for how long. Turning to check on Pinkie, something just a few feet away caught Applejack’s eye.
With grim realization, Applejack became deeply saddened.
“Cloud...”
Amazingly, his body had remained exactly where Sunset had lied him down just before transforming into her newly acquired Super Saiyan 3. Just then, Maniac broke free of the rubble that she was buried under.
“Hahahahahahahaha! You’re just full of surprises, Ponytail. I love it! Hahahaha!”
Before resting her attention on Maniac, Applejack was able to glance at Pinkie to see how she was fairing.
What she saw did not inspire confidence.
Pinkie was getting tired. She realized at the start of her battle with Scorpan that buying Fluttershy the twenty minutes she had Pinkie Promised was going to be harder then she thought. The only reason she was able to last this long was due to her Pinkie Sense and explosive powers providing long enough distractions for her to either dodge or get in a good hit.
Just a little longer. Fluttershy just needs a little more time!
“Your foolishness only succeeds in infuriating me!”
As soon as her ear started to itch, Pinkie shot up into the air just in time to dodge Scorpan’s blast that caused large chucks of concrete to fly towards Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash.
No!
Acting on pure instinct, Pinkie fired her explosive energy blast that destroyed the rocks and managed to leave her friends unharmed. Both Fluttershy and Rainbow released the breath they didn’t know they were holding.
Scorpan made a note regarding how quickly Pinkie had acted to protect the others. Sensing Pinkie’s approach from behind him, Scorpan positioned his arm to block the kick she had intended for his ribs.
“You’ll have to do better than that, Human.”
“Okay!”
Pinkie brought her left hand around intended to punch Scorpan’s head, only for him to catch it just inches from his face.
That’s all she needed.
Opening the fist Scorpan held, Pinkie threw a handful of sprinkles that exploded in his face.
“Ah! You wench!”
Free from his grip, Pinkie spun around so she was back to back with Scorpan then reached back, grabbed onto his head, and threw him as far away as she could, impressing both her friends and herself.
“Great throw, Pinkie! Just awesome!”
“Thanks, Dashie. I impressed myself with that one. Hehe How much longer?”
Fluttershy was breathing heavily, trying to speed up the process as safely as she could without causing any permanent damage.
“I’m going as fast as I can, but even then, I’m going to need six more minutes.”
Rainbow and Pinkie looked at Fluttershy, shocked.
“To do what? I feel fine now!”
“That’s because I numbed the nerves around the worst of your injures. Right now, I’m manually mending the last few broken parts of your body so they won’t give out on you when you fight and that will take me at least six more minutes.”
“That is a shame”
Shocked her Pinkie Sense hadn’t warned her sooner, Pinkie caught the energy blast that Scorpan had fired and, powering up as much as she could, threw the blast up and over her friends, allowing it to explode harmlessly away from them.
“Because you don’t have that long.”
Tired as she was, Pinkie stood ready, unaware of Rarity slowly making her way to them.
Please. Hold on just a little longer.
The air rang out with booms as Sunset continued to trade blows with Somrek causing more of the surrounding rock formations to crumble until she used a front kick that sent him crashing into the canyon wall. Somrek, taking this moment to catch his breath, looked at Sunset just floating in front of him.
Just one more hit, that’s all I need.
Powering up to increase his speed, Somrek shot at Sunset with the intent on punching her in the face only for Sunset to bend her head away from the attack. Trying again with a kick, Somrek was starting to get worried when she dodged that too. Frustrated, Somrek powered up again and started to throw fast punches and kicks at her to which Sunset just continued to dodge, her cocky grin ever present.
Why is she dodging my attacks? Did she somehow figure out what I’m doing?
“This is getting boring.”
Her statement throwing him off, Somrek was, once again, sent flying into the wall by one of Sunset’s powerful punches.
“Fighting you isn’t even challenging anymore.”
After making sure his face was still intact, Somrek grinned.
So that’s it. She’s still clueless to what I have in store.
“I truly am sorry to hear that. But seeing as I AM the strongest fighter you have ever faced, there is no one else that could possible give you as much challenge as I do.”
“Ha! Whatever challenge you had disappeared when I transformed.”
“Yet you are starting to dodge my attacks rather then block them.”
Sunset’s grin wavered.
“Admit it, my attacks were hurting you were they not?”
“Yeah, with the equivalent of a bug bite. Besides, I have to help my friends.”
“What happened to believing in them? Perhaps that was just talk and you really do not.”
Sunset was getting angry to the point of aiming an energy attack at Somrek.
“Whatever challenge you THINK you still have for me…”
“Prove that I am lying then.”
“…how?”
“Let me hit you with my strongest punch. If I am able to move you an inch, you will know I can still provide a challenge.”
Not much of one if you ask me.
“And if it doesn’t, I’ll kill you.”
“Of course.”
Her arm still aimed at Somrek, Sunset couldn’t help but feel like she was being played.
He’s up to something, not to mention the dangers of maintaining this form for too long. I should just finish him off now and be done with it!
Sunset charged her blast that made Somrek start to visible sweat.
…if he IS up to something…
She eased up her attack a little as her grin returned.
It might be my best chance to really test out my Super Saiyan 3!
Allowing her attack fade away before lowering her arm, Sunset decided to see what Somrek was up to.
“Fine, Somrek. I’ll play your game.”
Somrek, starting off relieved when Sunset lowered her arm was shocked after hearing her comment.
How did she…?
“Just know that, whatever it is you have planned fails, you die.”
Somrek grinned his widest grin as he started to power up to his very strongest.
Unless you die first!
Launching himself forward as he drew his fist back, Somrek was pleased with himself for his ability to play to Sunset’s arrogant ego.
Sunset, true to her word, made no move to dodge or block his attack as it connected to her face…which didn’t even move an inch causing Sunset to feel disappointed.
Somrek, meanwhile was ecstatic.
Yes!
“Looks like you failed, Somrek. You couldn’t even move my head an inch, which is, kind of sad really.”
Sunset started to feel pleased with herself when Somrek floated away from her, laughing.
“You stupid, arrogant, Saiyan! You know nothing of strategy!”
He’ll pay for that one.
“What strategy? Suicide by Super Saiyan 3?”
“Stupid woman! Do you think I call myself Lordking of DARKNESS to massage my ego?”
“Actually…”
“Lord Tirek had the unnatural ability to manipulate the dark side of the demons in the Demon Realm. That is how he was able to rule for far longer then any who came before him. Hell, he never had any intention of leaving the Demon Realm, much less invade your Realm.”
“Then why do it? What changed?”
“He met King Sombra.”
Sunset’s eyes widen with surprise.
“After you killed him, the Check-in Station thought Sombra was a demon and sent him to the Demon Realm. There, he met Lord Tirek and convinced him to invade the living Realm.”
Sunset took in everything Somrek had said but while it all made sense to her, there was one thing she couldn’t figure out.
“What does all that have to do with your ‘strategy’?”
Somrek laughed as he started to channel his magic to his hands.
“The reason Lord Tirek never intended to invade your Realm was because his magic could only work on demons.”
Sunset racked her brain on where he was going with this until it finally clicked.
“King Sombra wasn’t a demon so Tirek's magic didn’t work on him. So then why…?”
Somrek allowed Sunset to figure it out herself to buy him the time he needed to complete his spell.
Even with Sombra, how would Tirek be able to use his magic? Unless…!
“You two planned to fuse from the very beginning. Now that you’re part mortal…!”
Before she could finish, Somrek had launched his spell.
“My magic CAN effect you!”
The sensation Sunset felt was eerily similar to her transformations; while not painless, the spells invasive course felt like a surge of power coursing throughout her body. Somrek’s spell seemed to invade every inch of her body and mind, almost like it was searching for something. Whatever it was Sunset was sure it found, for as Somrek started to draw his spell back, she could feel it pulling something with it, painfully.
“AaaaaaaaaaaH! Ah! Ahhhhh! AAAAAAAAHHHHH!”
“This is it, Saiyan! With this, your end is all but assured!”
As he spoke, Sunset could feel whatever Somrek was pulling leave her body and begin to take shape right before her eyes. Starting as a body that wore a gown of red, black, and yellow, sprouting arms and legs that were a deep red color waring big black boots. Next came it’s head with long imp like ears and hair of flames that matched it’s tail that appeared behind it followed by her black and red, devilish wings that spread out to there full length. All throughout the creatures formation, Sunset had to struggle through the pain to keep from losing her Super Saiyan 3 form.
“Behold! Your Inner Demon!”
Sunset eyed the creature and, upon recognizing it, was shocked with dread.
“You!”
The creature looked into Sunset’s eyes, it’s devilish grin in full display.
“Sinset Shammer!”
Applejack was impressed with how much punishment Maniac could take after another of her punches brought Maniac to her knees. Thanks to her many sparring matches with Sunset and Rainbow Dash, Applejack was able to hone her fighting style to compete with fast moving fighters and Maniac was about as fast as a running cow compared to them. However, no matter how hard she hit her, Maniac would not stay down.
“Dag nabit, girl! What are ya, ah masochist?”
Standing up, the smile on Maniac’s face sent another terrifying chill down Applejacks spine.
“Hehehehe Why, yes I am, Ponytail! Thank you for noticing! HAHAHAHAHA!”
Why me? How did ah get stuck with the one that ENJOYS pain?
Bracing for another attack, Applejack couldn’t help but worry about her friends.
Especially Pinkie.
“As much as 'you' may want ta, ah can’t keep beating ya up all day. Ah have more important things ta do.”
With that Applejack charged Maniac and punched her so hard she was sure it would have knocked Maniac out. While the punch did force Maniac to take a step back, it remained embedded in her face, much to Applejacks surprise.
Uh oh.
With Applejack still pushing into it, Maniac turned her head to look with the eye that didn’t have a fist in it.
“Ponytail. Are you thinking about someone OTHER THEN ME?”
“…uh…yes?”
Just then, Maniac powered up to the point of throwing Applejack a few feet away.
“I don’t like it when my play things don’t think about me, AND ONLY ME!”
Oh, Sugar Honey Ice Tea.
Applejack braced herself for Maniac’s attack regretting that she open her mouth, when she heard Twilight explode.
Scorpan fired multiple energy blasts at Pinkie and her friends forcing her to deflect them away. Thankful for her many games of ping pong, Pinkie was able to keep all of them from getting past her.
Then he used both hands.
……mother.
With twice the amount of blasts then before, Pinkie concentrated on the ones that headed straight for her friends until she started to tire out to the point where a few of the blasts slipped pass.
NO!
While they weren’t strong enough to kill someone expecting them, the energy blasts were more then powerful enough to kill someone injured and as Fluttershy was about to stop healing Rainbow to intercept them, an energy shield appeared just in time to stop them.
Seeing the energy shield defending against his blasts, Scorpan stopped, giving Pinkie a chance to see what had happened to her friends.
She saw Rainbow generating a shield around her and Fluttershy.
“Does that mean…?
Pinkie really hoped Rainbow was ready to fight but one look at Fluttershy told her she wasn’t.
“Sorry, Pinkie. This is all Fluttershy is letting me do.”
“Please Pinkie, just four more minutes.”
“Enough of this.”
Pinkie turned in time to see Scorpan take a step toward her when he stopped and looked behind him.
Maniac had just powered up.
Turning back to Pinkie, Scorpan wore a smirk on his face.
“Looks like your friend just angered Maniac. She won’t last long.”
Pinkie was just about to charge Scorpan as he took another step when this time, they both stopped to look behind him.
Twilight had exploded and was covered head to toe in flames.
In the Demon Realm, there were only two demons Garble was afraid of; Scorpan and Lord Tirek. When Sombra showed up Garble could hardly believe the idiots at the Check-in Station would confuse him for a demon; strong as he was, Sombra hardly measured up to his standard of demon. When Lord Tirek spoke of their plan to invade the living realm it got Garble excited with the idea that he could find someplace where he could rule over. If Sombra was considered a demon as strong as he was and the Saiyan that beat him was only just strong enough to kill him were all he had to worry about, then invading the living realm would be easy, right? Surely there wasn’t anyone as strong as Lord Tirek in the living realm.
Garble had just added this human to his slowly growing list of people he feared.
Since engaging with Twilight, Garble had been greatly enjoying himself. While not at Scorpan’s level power wise, she was definitely as clever, if not more so then him and that added to Garbles fun. After that sneak attack early on, Twilight had been the aggressor, keeping him on his guard not for fear of his life but to see what she would do. She had captured his curiosity that lasted until she grew so tired that Garble didn’t even need to defend against her attacks. That’s when he took his turn to attack and while Twilight had impressive defensive capabilities, they didn’t help her in the long run. Pretty soon he was getting bored of just attacking her, so Garble decided to attack her with words, telling Twilight what he would do to her friends and family once she lost.
I should have kept my mouth shut
As Twilight explosive transformation finished, her skin a hue of orange and hair a literal flame that also covered her wings, she focused her now red eyes on Garble who had threaten to torture her friends.
“You’ll pay for even THINKING THAT!”
Charging forward, Burning Twilight punched Garble, sending him into the air. As furious as she was, Burning Twilight was able to think straight enough to teleport to where Garble was and kicked him across the sky, teleported again and sent him crashing into the ground near Applejack, where she was blocking Maniac’s crazy combos.
Until Burning Twilight teleported between them, terrifying Maniac where she stood.
“I won’t let you hurt my friend ANYMORE!”
Applejack remembered the last time this happened; it was when their parasitic enemy, Chrysalis had stolen the life energies from innocent people from all over the world, Including her older brother Shinning Armor. Twilight’s anger grew so strong it rivalled the strength of herself, Rainbow Dash, Sunset Shimmer, and Crimson Cloud, at their strongest, combined. It took Fluttershy’s kind nature, Rarity’s stern will, and Pinkie’s carefree character to calm her down.
Chrysalis never stood a chance.
“Twilight…”
“You should finish what you started…”
To the side, Garble had gotten back up.
“…before taking on that weakling.”
Seeing the struggle going on in her friends head, Applejack placed her right hand on Twilight’s surprisingly warm shoulder.
“It’s alright, Twilight. Ah can take her. Go and wrap things up with him.”
Looking back to see the determination that burned in her eyes, Burning Twilight believed Applejack would win. Nodding her agreement, Twilight shot a glare at Maniac, making her flinch, before facing Garble.
“Then let’s FINISH IT!”
They vanish, the booming in the air the only indication of their battle.
“Good riddance. Hehe She was CRA-ZY. Now, where were we, Ponytail? Hahahaha Oh yes, I was enjoying my plaything. Hahahaha!”
Taking a breath to calm herself before using it, Applejack shot a look that made Maniac twitch.
“Playtime is over, Maniac. It’s long past time ah ended this sick game of yers.”
This ones for you, Cloud.
“Kaioken x50!”
Before Maniac could register what had happened, Applejack had sent her flying over the rest of her friends.
Everyone watched as Applejack shot past them after Maniac. Pinkie, greatly proud of Applejack, turned to face Scorpan who had been watching Burning Twilight knock Garble around then follow Maniac shoot past over them.
“Impressed, aren’t ya? That was my friend, Applejack just now using her transformation, Kaioken and my other friend, Twilight, the one knocking your friend around SO easily, transformed into her strongest form, Burning Twilight! And my other friend here can transform into Super Rainbow Dash and…”
“Pinkie!”
“Pinkie, No!”
Covering her mouth with her hands, Pinkie knew she had screwed up, as Scorpan looked at her.
“Can she? And what about you? Can you transform? Get stronger?”
“Well, not…ah…ah…”
With her guard down, Pinkie didn’t expect Scorpan when he rushed over and punch her square in the gut.
Witnessing her friend get struck infuriated Rarity to no end, but she had to wait. Rainbow was the only one with the ability to stop him and if she was to act, Rarity knew it had to be when Scorpan made his move.
Please forgive me, Pinkie.
Scorpan removed his hand as he stood up, allowing Pinkie to grab her stomach and collapse to the ground.
“Apparently not.”
“PINKIE! YOU’RE GONNA PAY FOR THAT!”
Rainbow Dash was furious at herself for being the reason Pinkie got hurt fighting Scorpan as Fluttershy couldn’t help degrading herself for not being faster.
I need just a few more seconds! Please! That’s all I need!
Turning from Pinkie, Scorpan looked down at Rainbow and Fluttershy, disappointment on his face.
“She’ll live. I have an order on how I do things.”
Scorpan readied himself, as did Rarity.
I have to time this just right.
“And that order starts with you.”
NOW!
Just as Scorpan leapt at Rainbow and Fluttershy, Rarity jumped out and created a diamond shield just in time to block his attack.
“What is this?”
“It’s what happens when you attack my friends!”
Drawn by Rarity’s voice, Scorpan turned to see her at the edge of the stone chunk.
“When you fight one of us…”
“…you fight ALL of us!”
Fluttershy shouted as she stood up and glared at Scorpan. Ever since he attacked Pinkie, Fluttershy had doubled her efforts to heal Rainbow.
And it payed off.
Scorpan watched as Rainbow stood up beside Fluttershy, her face full of fury.
This should be interesting.
“Rarity, Fluttershy, take Pinkie and Crimson and get out of here. I’ll handle this jerk.”
“Of course, darling.”
Dropping her shield before moving to her side, Rarity and Fluttershy knelt beside Pinkie before Fluttershy checked to make sure she was breathing.
“Oh thank goodness. She’s still alive.”
“Thank heavens. I’ll take Pinkie to my car while you go check on Crimson. I’ll be along shortly.”
“Okay.”
As Fluttershy flew over to Crimson, Rarity pick up Pinkie and started toward her car, that managed to survive somehow, and passed Scorpan and Rainbow as they locked eyes with each other.
“Oh, Rainbow?”
“Yeah?”
“Do be a dear, and punch him really hard in the face for me, would you, darling?”
As she walked away, Rainbow couldn’t help but crack a smile.
“You got it.”
Since asking Fluttershy and Rarity to help their injured friends, Rainbow had been stretching out her body to get ready for her fight.
“How did you know I would allow them to gather your wounded? I could have killed them before you even moved.”
“Ha. You obviously don’t know about me, otherwise you wouldn’t have questioned my speed. The name’s Rainbow Dash, and I’m the fastest person alive. If you had made a move, I would have stopped you.”
“Is that so?”
“Oh yeah.”
“Is that also the reason why you are stretching right in front of me?”
“No. I’m stretching because I don’t want to get a cramp while I kick your ass.”
Scorpan chuckled at Rainbow’s remark just as she finished her stretches, then exchanged glares.
“Your arrogance borders insanity.”
“Probably. There is one thing I know for sure about you, though”
“Do you.”
“Yep.”
“Do tell.”
“AaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!
Charging her power to the max, Rainbow Dash transformed in a blinding explosion of color.
Scorpan had seen much of the Demon Realm through out his life. Being the younger brother of ‘Lord’ Tirek had put huge expectations on him he never wanted. Being related to the Lord of the Demon Realm meant his actions reflected how Tirek looked; if Scorpan was weak, so was Tirek. So Tirek had his brother train every day until Scorpan could rival his power, if only just barely. Scorpan’s training mostly consisted of mountain lifting and fighting techniques until Tirek ordered him to travel the whole realm, fighting and beating it’s strongest demons.
They all paled in comparison to this human woman.
Standing before him literally radiating with power, Scorpan could hardly believe this was the same person. Rainbow’s attire remained as before; black t-shirt with a blue opened cover shirt, blue knee length jeans with huge pockets, red shoes and rainbow wrist bands. Her wings had grown three times their original size and, along with her skin, were a blinding white and her hair, while not as long or golden as that Saiyan’s defied gravity itself as it stuck straight up while maintaining it’s rainbow theme of colours, all the while huge arcs of lighting dancing around her body.
Her red eyes paralyzing Scorpan, the Flame of Harmony, or as her friends call her, Super Rainbow Dash stepped forward.
“You will regret hurting Pinkie Pie.”
Pulling up to Fluttershy and Crimson, Rarity had watched Rainbow’s transformation and just like every time before she couldn’t help but marvel at it’s beauty.
If only she would pose for me. Oh well.
Rarity watched as Rainbow sent Scorpan flying with a kick then disappeared, followed by a boom from the two fighting. Leaving Pinkie to rest in the passenger seat with her seatbelt on, Rarity started toward Fluttershy who knelt beside Crimson.
“How is he, dear.”
Standing beside Fluttershy, Rarity thought she was crying and placed a hand on her friends shoulder.
“Come now, Fluttershy. He wouldn’t want us to be sad, he’d want us to…”
“He’s alive.”
“What was that, dear?”
Turning to look at Rarity, Fluttershy had the biggest smile on her face, overjoyed.
“He’s still alive, Rarity. By some miracle, Crimson Cloud is still alive!”
Surprised by the appearance of the personification of her Inner Demon, Sunset didn’t notice when Sinset threw a punch that, not only moved her head, it hurt.
A lot.
“What’s wrong, Sunny?”
Sinset threw another punch to the gut, making Sunset gasp in pain.
“You look like you’ve seen a ghost! Hahaha!”
With a powerful kick that caused chunks of the ground to uplift from a hundred feet in the air, Sunset was sent flying into a wall and continued through it until she crashed out the other side, skidding and bouncing across the ground, thousands of feet away. Picking herself up while keeping her Super Saiyan 3 from slipping away, Sunset caught her breath while she thought back to the last time she had seen her darker side.
It was after her defeat at the hands of the Fighters of Harmony; as she tried to adjust to her new life, Sunset couldn’t help but hold some resentment towards them. That resentment manifested into her mental training partner, Sinset that Sunset had created when she realized none of her ‘friends’ could match her strength individually, until Rainbow Dash unlocked her Super form. Even then, her resentment for them continued to grow and finally released itself when Sunset fought against her fellow Saiyan, Adagio when she insulted her Saiyan pride.
It took Applejack’s strength and Fluttershy’s kindness to get her to stop.
After that, Fluttershy had convinced her to speak with their spiritualist friend, Zecora who helped Sunset let go of her resentment and channel it towards helping her friends by encouraging them to get stronger.
Watching both Sinset and Somrek approach, Sunset flew up to meet them.
I always figured she had faded away from my mind. Maybe there still is some sliver of resentment still inside of me.
Sunset rubbed the cheek Sinset had punched.
And it’s just as strong as me, maybe stronger.
The impact between the two halves of Sunset created a sonic boom that was enough to stop Somrek from approaching.
Anger issues?
Locked together by their hands, Sinset’s smirk was that of a predator catching an elusive prey at last.
“Could it be that you’ve forgotten me? The truest part of your Saiyanhood? The truest part of your SOUL?”
“As a matter of fact, I had forgotten you. But I AM glad you’re here.”
Sunset matched Sinset’s smirk with a smirk of her own.
“I needed a test dummy for this new form of mine!”
With an explosion of power, Sunset kneed Sinset in the chin then kicked her gut, releasing her grip on Sunset’s hands, freeing them to deliver a one-two combo to Sinset’s face before her third one was blocked by Sinset’s forearm.
“Is that all I was good for, testing your power?”
Sinset kicked Sunset in the ribs followed by a punch to her face that sent her back a few feet.
“Not as storage for all that hatred and anger you had towards the weaklings that BEAT you?”
Sunset exchanged blows with Sinset, matching each other in strength and speed.
“Hating them wasn’t making me stronger! Accepting their friendship did!”
“Lies! Your anger made you stronger then that so called ‘Elite’ Saiyan, and she was twice as strong as any of your ‘friends’!”
Sunset dodged a punch, giving her a chance to get Sinset into a full nelson.
“You didn’t see what anger like that did to Twilight!”
Sinset head butted Sunset, loosening her grip that allowed Sinset to break the hold and throw Sunset over her shoulder.
“Yes, I did…”
Sunset stopped herself while she was upside down, causing her golden hair to fall to gravity.
“…and it was glorious! That’s the strength you could have if you just gave in to your hatred!”
They fought there; Sunset floating upside down while Sinset attacked with ferocity and memory of their training to her advantage.
How could I have let this happen?
Sunset took heavy breaths as she felt parts of her body straining to hold itself together.
My body could give out any second now and what do I have to show for it?
Pushing apart from each other, Sunset righted herself while she spared a glance at Somrek, making her angry.
Somrek is still alive, having only myself to blame for allowing my arrogance to think I could handle anything he did.
Looking back at Sinset, Sunset started to slowly charge her power.
Failing to avenge Crimson Cloud and having to face the physical manifestation of my repressed hatred who might just be stronger then me in Super Saiyan 3!
Sinset did the same.
After all that time thinking I was different then Adagio, then every Saiyan that came before me; turns out I wasn’t. I’m no different at all!
Their powers reaching levels so high that even Rainbow, Scorpan, and the others stopped their fights in response to how surprised they were to sense them from so far away.
Well, no more!
Somrek floated there, flabbergasted at the power those two were giving off. As someone born of two people that prided themselves as their realms strongest beings, Somrek couldn’t help but marvel at this one woman who managed to not only greatly surpass his power, but also manufacture a she demon that equaled, if not surpassed her own.
Somrek now realized why his Sombra half destroyed the Saiyans.
“Magnificent. With power like that under my control, no force in the Universe could even hope to stop me!”
Finally reaching their full power, Sunset and Sinset began to clash; with every hit causing sonic booms so powerful they were forcing him backward as Somrek’s egotistical grin grew.
Until an energy blast shot right through his stomach.
With a wound like that, Somrek was unable to holdout against the sonic boom like explosions and was blasted away, the image of Sunset’s knowing look burned into his memory.
“Damn…Saiyan….Bit…..!”
Trading blows for as long as they had, Sunset was able to figure out Sinset’s pattern enough to take advantage of an opening to fire the energy blast that killed Somrek.
That takes care of you!
Slowing down for a fraction of a second, Sunset got a blast to her face that sent her flying backward with Sinset following close behind.
Waiting for the car to stop, Rarity looked behind to Fluttershy, both waring the same expression on their faces.
One that screamed Holy Sugar Honey Ice Tea.
“Is that who I think it is?”
Fluttershy, who had been working on keeping Crimson alive, looked out the back window in the direction Sunset was.
“It’s Sunset.”
“THAT’S Sunset? How in the world did she get that powerful?”
“After she thought….she lost Crimson.”
Startled, Rarity turned to Pinkie who was leaning into her seat, eyes half open before she looked from Rarity, a smile on her face then resting them on Fluttershy with Crimson’s head resting on her lap.
“Her sadness and pain….transformed her into Super Saiyan 3.”
“Super Saiyan 3 Sunset Shimmer…”
Joining her friends as they watched what was going on beyond her back window, Rarity smiled.
“…that’s quite the impressive boast in power.”
Wait until you see the hair that goes with it.
Fluttershy smiled at that thought before she noticed something about the other power coming from where Sunset was.
“Can you guys sense that other power though? It doesn’t feel like Somrek’s at all.”
Focusing on the other power, Rarity agreed with Fluttershy.
“You’re right, darling. But…if I didn’t know any better, I’d say that…there were…”
Pinkie’s half closed eyes opened right up with recognition.
“Two Sunset’s?”
“How can there be two Sunset’s? It’s not a clone. Even I could tell if it was. But then how…why…ARGH! My brain hurts!”
Scratching her head comically while her hair never lost it’s shape Super Rainbow Dash couldn’t figure it out; how could she be sensing two Sunset Shimmers? If one of them were significantly weaker, then she could tell if it was either a clone or even if Somrek had somehow copied his energy signature to match Sunset’s.
But both power signatures were nearly identical in size.
What is going on over there? I can’t even sense Somrek and he wasn’t hard to miss! ARGH!
“I imagined you'd have a hard time figuring it out, but this is just pathetic.”
Super Rainbow Dash threw her arms down and glared at Scorpan.
“Hey! Not all of us are evil smart guys bent on taking over the universe! Jerk!”
Scorpan took those words to heart.
“…I suppose not.”
“Well if you’re so smart, why don’t you tell me what’s going on! Or do I have to make you?”
Scorpan, never breaking eye contact with Super Rainbow Dash, got into his fighting stance.
“You will have to earn that information for, as of yet, I fail to see if the ‘Super’ in your name is true.”
In a flash, Super Rainbow Dash disappeared before Scorpan blocked her kick to his head then countered with an energy blast that Rainbow block before using her other foot to kick his head again only for him to block it as well. Grabbing her ankles by crossing his arms Scorpan launched them both toward the ground, intent on drilling Super Rainbow Dash’s head into the ground only for her to clamp her legs onto his head, trapping both his arms then flip over, smashing Scorpan’s head into the ground after releasing her legs right before impact. Turning around, Super Rainbow Dash watched Scorpan free himself from the ground, dazed and aimed a hand at him.
“Sonic Rainbolt!”
A bright yellow bolt flashed out of her outstretched hand at Scorpan with speed he had never thought possible for an attack to go. In an attempt to dodge it, Scorpan rocketed up into the sky so fast he had disappeared only to get hit in the chest by the same Sonic Rainbolt he tried to dodge.
It hadn’t missed a beat while it followed Scorpan.
“Can’t get away that easily!”
Covering the spot the attack hit, Scorpan grew concerned when he saw Super Rainbow Dash charge both of her hands, the smirk she had from her first attack ever present.
“Double Sonic Rainbolt!”
Watching Super Rainbow Dash’s attacks flash from her hands, Scorpan became very aware how numb his body had become after that first attack hit before flying away as fast as he could, the Rainbolt’s close behind.
Super Rainbow Dash crossed her arms and stood proudly as she watched.
“I bet a smart guy like you already figured it out. But unlike you, I’m a good guy. So I’ll tell you about my little special attack. While they may not pack a strong punch, they are capable of homing in and keeping up with anyone. Even I have a hard time out running them.”
As she explained, Super Rainbow Dash watched Scorpan try to blast her attacks with his own, even go so far as to use rapid fire blasts to cover his retreat.
Nothing worked as the Rainbolt’s kept up with him.
“But what REALLY makes them special is what they do once they hit you. Each bolt delivers a powerful electric shock throughout the body, numbing it to the point where it becomes difficult to move.”
At that moment, Scorpan is hit by a Rainbolt, causing him to fall out of the sky.
Super Rainbow Dash’s smirk widened after seeing how slow he was becoming.
“The way I see it, no matter how strong or smart you are, the way a fight could go depends on how fast you are.”
Scorpan noticed Super Rainbow Dash just standing there, smirking when he got an idea.
“Whether it’s throwing a punch or…”
Scorpan raced towards her, with the Rainbolt closing in on him.
“…dodging one, speed…”
Closing in on her, Scorpan dashed past Super Rainbow Dash.
“…is essential.”
Thinking himself clever, Scorpan turns and gets the last Sonic Rainbolt to his face.
“AH!”
Scorpan crashed to the ground and skids to a stop, his ability to move hampered.
“…wh…at…?”
“Either you think you’re so clever, or…”
Walking up to Scorpan, Super Rainbow Dash grabs him by the collar of his vest and lifts him up to her face.
“…you think I’m so dumb, I’d create an awesome attack like that with out making sure it can’t hit me.”
“…ho…w…?
“When your greatest rival is the worlds resident genius on fighting, you tend to learn a thing or two. Now, start talking! What’s happening with Sunset?”
His arms and legs all but useless for the time being, Scorpan had no choice but to comply.
If only to stall for time.
“My brother…Lord Tirek…had the power..to draw out…the darkest part..of a demons….soul.”
“Tirek was your brother?”
Thinking back to when she saw Tirek, Super Rainbow Dash took another look at Scorpan.
………….I don’t see it.
“Yes. I took after…our mother, while he….took after our father.”
“Ahhh.”
Still don’t see it.
“While he could not use that power in your realm as he was, Tirek had allied himself with King Sombra after his defeat by the Saiyan’s hand.”
Scorpan clinched his fist, starting to feel them again.
“They decided to fuse together, theorizing that, by doing so, Tirek would be able to use that power on the people of this realm. If what we are sensing is correct, then that could only mean one thing.”
Scorpan watched Super Rainbow Dash think about what he had just said, as he rotated his ankles to return feeling to them.
Even she must know what that means.
“That Somrek…”
Scorpan dared to move his head around.
“… can…”
Super Rainbow Dash looked at Scorpan with understanding eyes, nearly surprising him.
“…use the darkest part of Sunset…”
Well I’ll be. She actually did…
“…to make himself almost identical to her!”
…………………………….wow.
“That must be why I can’t sense him. He’s managed to reach her Super Saiyan 3 power by taking the darkest part of her soul and merging with it! Because she was an evil Saiyan before coming here, her dark part must have overpowered his! And that’s why we can sense two Sunset Shimmer’s!
Super Rainbow Dash grinned with pride for figuring out what had happened.
Scorpan would have face palmed himself had he been able too.
Although……….that……….in a way…….does make sense.
Scorpan, finally able to move just hung there in Super Rainbow Dash’s grip and laughed.
Super Rainbow Dash didn’t like that.
“What’s so funny? Surprised that I figured it all…”
Scorpan tried to knee Super Rainbow Dash in the stomach only for her to block it, allowing Scorpan to blast her in the face that loosened her grip enough for him to escape.
“Ah! Cheap trick!”
Standing in front of her, Scorpan had an odd look on his face that made him look…
Is he enjoying this?
“Thank you, 'Super' Rainbow Dash. Your unique perspective was most refreshing.”
“………what’s that suppose to mean?”
“Once again Rainbow, if you wish to know…”
“Again with the tight lippyness!”
Each taking their own stances, Super Rainbow Dash couldn’t help but be infected by Scorpan’s grin and cracked one herself.
“Whatever. Earning things is more rewarding anyway.”
“I haven’t felt…pain like this….since challenging…..hehe….Lord Tirek. Hehe.”
Standing in a football field half a town away from where her friends were, Applejack almost felt sorry for Maniac. Yes, she was a pain loving demon hellbent on killing anyone she laid eyes on but Applejack never did enjoy inflicting pain to anyone, whether they deserved it, or in this case liked it, or not. But after everything she and her friends have been through, Applejack knew that sometimes causing a little pain is better then doing nothing and allow a lot of suffering to happen.
She understood now why Cloud wanted to master the Kaioken.
Being taught the Kaioken by the mountain hermit Iron Will, Cloud had been adamant about mastering it but no one knew why until she saw how useful it was in their battle with Chrysalis. Cloud had used it to stun Chrysalis long enough for Sunset to extract Shinning Armor’s life energy before Burning Twilight killed her. Recognizing the benefits it had, Applejack pestered Cloud to teach her the technique until he agreed, but after experiencing it’s ridiculous strength boost as well as it’s damaging consciences, Applejack had to know why he did it, why he would willing go through that torture.
Cloud’s answer was both expected and surprising.
“You don’t know what it’s like growing up powerless. Being afraid of everything and too weak to stand up to those that inflict pain onto others. It wasn’t until I met Sunset that I decided I had to change. That I COULD get strong enough to face my fears, that I COULD protect those that needed it. If my body was the price I had to pay to ensure that others couldn’t spread more pain, then I’d gladly pay it.”
Getting up to continue his training, Cloud stopped and looked over his shoulder at her.
“Beside’s…there’s this girl I’m trying to impress. Don’t tell anyone, kay?”
At first, Applejack actually thought Cloud had been talking about her when he said that. That changed when she saw the way he looked at Sunset. It hurt then, but Applejack was able to get past it once she saw how Sunset had put herself in harms way to save him by breaking away from her fight with Sombra to fire a blast that intercepted one of his minions attack.
Sombra capitalized on her act by dislocating her shoulder.
After that, Super Rainbow Dash had taken over fighting Sombra while she helped Sunset reset her arm. As they prepped her for the reset, Applejack couldn’t help but ask her how she had allowed this to happen.
What she said broke Applejack’s heart.
“I don’t know, it was instinct. It was…like when I fight. Just the thought of losing him forced me to act in order to save him. Even at the cost of AH!”
Hearing that surprised her so much it made Applejack reset Sunset’s arm.
“..thanks AJ. I’ll be fine! Go and help Cloud!”
Applejack, too shocked to think, nodded and flew out to help him. But not before hearing Sunset finish her explanation.
“…even at the cost of my life.”
Dodging a weak attempt of an energy blast that made her feel bad, Applejack remembered it was the day after they had defeated Sombra that Sunset unknowingly admitted her feelings to all of them.
Why am ah the one stuck with the only demon that liked pain?
Powering up her Kaioken to x25, Applejack side stepped Maniac’s punch then kneed her in the gut, bringing Maniac to her knees, allowing the Kaioken to fade away.
Cloud, sacrificing his body ta pain whenever he used Kaioken. And Sunset, willing ta put herself in harms way ta save the life of the one man she loves.
Looking down at Maniac who had tears rolling down her cheeks, Applejack couldn’t understand.
Maniac, ah demon conditioned ta enjoy pain.
Applejack aimed her hand at Maniac, charging her attack; the Big Red Bang.
And me…forced ta cause pain in order ta prevent mass suffering.
Tears started to fall down Applejacks face as she closed her eyes.
While ah suffer ah broken heart.
“…hehe….terrible, isn’t it?”
Started, Applejack opened her eyes to see Maniac looking at her, eyes wet and pleading.
“How someone who loves pain, is crying because of it.”
“…Why? Why do ya love it?”
Maniac smiled her most genuine smile.
“You really want to know, don’t you?”
They stayed like that, staring at each other as Applejack aimed her Big Red Bang at Maniac.
“That’s good. Now….hehehehe…..you’ll always have me on your mind. HehehehahahahahaHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!”
Allowing her to have this moment of victory, Applejack transformed to her Kaioken x20 and whispered her attack.
“Big Red Bang.”
Transforming wasn’t meant to increase her attacks power, rather it was meant to protect Applejack from the damage it would cause while using it at close range. The spot where Maniac once was now had a large pit that had once been half of the football field.
Letting her Kaioken fade away, Applejack bit back a cry of pain as the bones in her right fore arm, her middle and ring finger and a few of her right side ribs broke.
“Ah guess…”
Applejack looked in the direction she felt Rarity, Pinkie, and Fluttershy’s energy signatures were coming from.
“…ah’ll never know.”
As she lifted off the ground to make her way to her friends, Applejack could sense what was going on with Burning Twilight and Super Rainbow Dash.
She could only guess what was going on with Sunset.
Feels like Twilight is givin her dance partner ah run for his money. Ah just hope we can bring her back ta her senses easier this time round.
Having a hard time pinpointing Super Rainbow Dash’s location, Applejack figured she had transformed and was now taking on Scorpan.
Ah’m glad Pinkie and Rarity were able ta buy Fluttershy time ta get Rainbow Dash on her feet again. Ah hope that Scorpan feller isn’t too much fer her.
Looking down at her arm, Applejack felt a little embarrassed that she was forced to use her Kaioken at x50 in order to beat Maniac.
If he is, ah don’t know how much help ah would be.
As she drew closer to Rarity and her car, she caught on to another energy signature with them, one that shot her eyes wide open with surprise.
“It…can’t be.”
With no regard to her own body’s condition, Applejack used Kaioken x20 to boast her speed.
She had to know if Cloud was alive.
Non-stop. That’s how long Burning Twilight had been fighting Garble since leaving Applejack to fight Maniac. Even after sensing her friend use her Kaioken at x50, Twilight didn’t stop. Even after Sunset had powered up to her maximum and could be sensed from halfway across the world fighting her exact duplicate, Twilight didn’t stop. Even after sensing the ‘death’ of Somrek and Super Rainbow Dash’s return and battle with Scorpan, Burning Twilight had refused to stop fighting her opponent until he was dead.
She would never allow him to harm any of her friends.
However, Burning Twilight had to admit that she was impressed that Garble had been keeping pace with her since then.
It was almost as if…
“Has that overcharged mind of yours figured it out yet?”
Burning Twilight caught Garble’s punch just as he caught hers before grappling with each other, eyes never wavering.
“That you’re somehow able to MATCH MY POWER to the point of being total EQUALS? YES! I did figure it OUT!”
For the first time since her transformation, Burning Twilight broke away from Garble, her flaming tail like hair and wings losing some of there intensity.
“TELL ME HOW YOU’RE DOING IT!”
Garble had the biggest smirk on his face; he was so sure that there was no one stronger then Tirek in this realm, let alone two.
He had never been so happy to be wrong then he was right now that Garble couldn’t help but chuckle.
“Very well. I’ll tell you my little secret, but only because you asked so nicely.”
I’m getting real sick of his smart ass remarks! He’s almost as bad as Rainbow Dash! ………almost.
“Did you know that Tirek and Scorpan are brothers, and the reason their the two strongest demons in the Demon Realm was because their power came from a ritual their parents performed on them the day they were born?”
“….I do NOW! What does that have to do with YOU?”
“Because, if it wasn’t for that ritual that granted both of them the power to manipulate the darkness in demons soul’s…”
Garble clutched his fists so hard, they drew blood.
“…I would be the one ruling the Demon Realm!”
“Really? How do you FIGURE?”
“Because of my demonic heritage. As a dragon demon, I have the unique ability to adapt quickly to whatever obstacle is in my way.”
Garble lossened his fists as a grin returned to his face.
“Including matching my opponents power, no matter how strong they are!”
Burning Twilight was sent flying sideways toward the ground when she failed to see Garble kick her in the head. Before she made it to the ground, Garble had adapted her teleportation spell and appeared right in front of her, ready to send her flying again.
But if there was one thing Twilight was most proud of…
Just before Garble connected with his attack, Burning Twilight used a shield spell. While it did shatter right after the punch had connected, it gave Burning Twilight more then enough time to prepare her counter attack. As soon as the shield fell, Burning Twilight had folded her wings in front of Garble’s attack; as soon as it connected, Burning Twilight delivered a kick combo to his stomach and head that dazed him enough for her to complete her flip and blast his wings, rendering them useless.
“AH! Well done, Human; even if it was completely useless. I never needed my wings to fly!”
Landing from her flip, Burning Twilight had managed to put a smile on her face.
An act that worried Garble greatly.
“I figured THAT out when I first SAW you! I also figured out what you DID use them for!”
Garble was shocked.
“….you’re bluffing.”
“REALLY? So your wings WERE’NT the source of your adaptability?”
"How did you…?”
“You made FAR too many mistakes THROUGHOUT OUR FIGHT! Your FIRST mistake was thinking my ANGER clouded my ability to THINK when in fact, it HELPED ME to focus solely on BEATING YOU!”
Garble couldn’t believe it.
“Your SECOND mistake was telling me about your DEMONIC HERITAGE and how it was BECAUSE you are a DRAGON. That got me thinking, HOW is it that only YOU have this ability when other REPTILIAN DEMONS could not?”
He had underestimated this human.
“And while trying to ANSWER that question, I RECALLED that you had never ONCE flapped your wings during our BATTLE. SO I ASKED MYSELF, what OTHER REASON could you have to KEEP YOUR WINGS?”
And now…
“With ALL THAT in mind, I CAME TO THE MOST LOGICAL CONCLUSION!”
He was going to suffer…
Burning Twilight couldn’t help but turn to her side and point at Garble.
“YOUR WINGS ACTED AS A KIND OF KINETIC ENERGY ABSORBER! DRAWING IN THE KINETIC ENERGY FROM THE ATTACKS THAT ARE INFLICTED ON TO YOU!”
A humiliating defeat…
“ONCE THE KINETIC ENERGY IS STORED IN YOUR WINGS, YOUR BODY SLOWLY DRAWS IT IN THROUGHOUT THE FIGHT, SLOWLY INCREASING YOUR POWER MAKING YOU JUST AS STRONG AS YOUR OPPONENT!”
At her hands.
Lowering her hand, Burning Twilight straighten herself while crossing her arms, her confident smile never leaving her face.
“And with them GONE, you won’t be getting STRONGER then you are NOW!”
Furious that Burning Twilight had managed to figure out the source of his power, Garble launch himself into the air, thrust his arms above his head and gathered his full power in order to unleash his most powerful attack; the sickly green coloured Demon Star.
“DAMN YOU! You may have figured out where my power comes from, but you were too late! Our power is evenly matched, so the outcome will be decided on who holds the high ground! And THAT is ME!”
Burning Twilight watched as Garble charged his Demon Star attack, never once losing her smile.
“COME ON, GARBLE! DO YOU REALLY THINK A POWER BORN FROM RAGE HAS A LIMIT?”
Garble’s eyes widen to the size of dinner plates.
Bending her knees while positioning her hands in front of her flame wings, Burning Twilight began to charge the Burning form variant of her Heaven’s Might attack, the purple and red coloured Heaven’s Flame.
“YOU NEVER SHOULD HAVE THREATENED MY FRIENDS!”
His Demon Star attack fully charged, Garble threw it right at Burning Twilight.
“TAKE THIS! DEMON STAR!”
Just as Garble launched his attack, Burning Twilight brought her hands together at the thumb and fired her own attack.
“HEAVEN’S FLAME!”
The two attacks met, the sky a mix of sickly green and red and purple dancing about as Garble and Burning Twilight struggled to overpower the other.
The struggle was so intense, Rainbow and Scorpan, who were fighting past the hills surrounding the city at Froggy Bottom Bog had stopped to watch.
“Whoa! That’s Awesome! Get him, Twilight! Yeah!”
“Could it be that Garble...finally met his match?”
Putting everything into his attack, Garble believed he had won.
“YOUR TIME HAS COME, HUMAN! DIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIE!”
“I WON’T LOSE TO YOU, DEMON! AHHHHHHHHH!
Burning Twilight thought about what Garble would do if she lost, the pain he would cause and the friends he would kill and the more she thought about it, the angrier she got, the stronger her attack became.
Until it pushed Garble’s Demon Star back at him.
“WHAT!? NO! HOW ARE YOU…!?”
“THIS IS FOR…MY….FRIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEENDSSSSS!”
That last burst of power sent both attacks slamming into Garble, sending him into the sky.
As the combined energies disintegrated his body, Garble couldn’t believe how powerful humans where capable of becoming.
“It….can’t…..be! By…..a….human….woman!”
And with that, Garble vaporized before the energy beam shot past the atmosphere. Burning Twilight stopped pouring her power into the beam and reverted to her regular self. Surprised she reverted back without the others help, Twilight Sparkle began laughing in between her deep breaths.
“I….can’t believe….he….pushed me….so far…..that my….transformation….burned out. He was stronger…..then I thought. Hahahahaha”
Sensing that Rarity was closing in on her, Twilight fell backward onto the ground before she decide to take a little nap.
“ALRIGHT, TWILIGHT! Whoo-hoo! You did it! Yeah!”
Super Rainbow Dash was ecstatic over Twilight’s impressive victory over Garble, practically doing a little victory dance over the bog, as Scorpan observed the spot her attack had sent Garble.
“Incredible. To find someone in the living realm capable of over powering Garble. I never thought it was possible.”
“Aren’t you forgetting something?”
Scorpan faced Super Rainbow Dash as she spoke.
“Applejack completely overpowered that crazy demon she was fighting too, because I sense her with my friends now.”
Super Rainbow Dash flashed a toothy grin while crossing her arms, radiating pride.
“And I can’t sense even a trace of your girlfriend. So much for being the Demon Realms strongest.”
As Super Rainbow Dash celebrated her friends victories, Scorpan closed his eyes.
Maniac? My girlfriend? Rainbow Dash, you are proving to be both amusing and infuriating.
“I’m afraid you are celebrating far too soon, Rainbow Dash.”
From out of no where Super Rainbow Dash was sent flying into the bog water below. Almost instantly, she shot out of the water and started coughing.
“Blah, blah. Ugh, it got in my mouth! I’ll get you for…”
Looking around, Super Rainbow Dash couldn’t see Scorpan anywhere.
“Cheap trick, jerk! There’s no use hiding! Come out, and…”
It was then that Super Rainbow Dash noticed something very odd.
Where is he? I can’t sense his energy. Did he…?
“Where are you, Scorpan? Don’t tell me you ran away?”
While she continued looking for him, Scorpan kicked Super Rainbow Dash into a thick tree snapping it on impact. Super Rainbow Dash landed on it’s thick, overhanging roots as the tree fell into the bog before turning to see Scorpan hover there.
“I am many things Rainbow Dash, but I am no coward.”
“Is that right? Then what’s with the sneak attacks? Huh?”
Scorpan grinned at her increasing frustration.
“Like you, I too have been forced to develop techniques and abilities in order to become strong enough to face my ‘rival’.”
Disappearing before her eyes, Super Rainbow Dash completely lost track of Scorpan.
Does he know how to use the teleportation spell like Twilight?
“Like this, for instance.”
Startled, Super Rainbow Dash swung to her right to attack Scorpan, only to see him floating upside down with his head at eye level; his glowing hand grabbed her face, unleashing a spell.
AAAAAHHHH!
On instinct, Super Rainbow Dash swung at Scorpan’s hand, forcing him to let go, allowing her to jump back and land in the bog that was only knee deep.
All while clutching her face with both hands.
WHAT DID HE DO TO ME!?
Watching Super Rainbow Dash thrashing about in the bog, a smile began to grow on Scorpan’s face.
No doubt, you must be wondering what is going on. I would love to tell you that the spell I cast is only temporary and will ware off within an hour…
Scorpan dashed forward, embedding his fist into her stomach causing her eyes to fly open in pain.
…but with four of your five senses completely useless…
Removing his fist Scorpan roundhouse kicked Super Rainbow Dash across the bog and into a boulder.
“You wouldn’t be able to understand a word I said.”
Standing up, Super Rainbow Dash got into a defensive stances with her wings folded in front of her. Scorpan brought his right hand back, charging his super attack, the dark green coloured Final Shine Attack.
“Excellent idea, Rainbow Dash. Without your senses, the only thing you can do is defend yourself from my attacks.”
Unfortunately, with my ability to mask my energy signal no matter how big it gets at will, you won’t be able to tell when I launch them.
“Final Shine Attack!”
Throwing his hand forward, the Final Shine Attack raced toward the unsuspecting Super Rainbow Dash until it crashes into her; taking her by surprise enough for her to properly push against it, blasting her through the tree ridden bog until she crashed at the edge of Froggy Bottom Bog.
Unfurling her wings, Super Rainbow Dash rolled onto her hands and knees as she took deep, laboured breathes.
Ow. When this is over, I’m living at the spa.
I don’t have much time left.
Taking advantage of an opening in Sinset’s technique, Sunset sidestepped, throwing Sinset off balance enough to kick her hard enough that it sent her flying, the force of it splitting a cliffside in two.
I can feel my power slipping away. If I don’t finish her now…
“It’s only a matter of time now, isn’t it?”
Startled, Sunset cast out her senses and felt Sinset had recovered and was slowly making her way back.
“How are you inside my head?”
“Are you really that dense? I came from you and because of that, we share a bond. That bond is what allows me to speak to you, telepathically.”
“And why would you do that? I thought you loved to hear yourself shout about power fuelled by hatred.”
“You know why. Your precious Super Saiyan 3 is burning through your energy faster with each pasting second. Any minute now it will burn out completely and when that happens…”
Sunset could almost see the sadistic smile on her counterparts demonic face. Seeing that image flash through her mind, Sunset couldn’t help but think how different her life would have been if she had held onto her resentment. Would she have joined Adagio, terrorizing the universe, allowing her dark emotions, the same emotions that were literally overpowering her right now, consume her?
“Admit it, Sunset! My power FAR surpasses you! It can still be yours if you just accept me! You saw how powerful Twilight Sparkle had gotten, and she’s just a human! If you had that power, MY power, you would be so much stronger, so much more powerful! YOU WOULD BE ONTO A GOD!”
Looking at Sinset now, she saw what her life would have been had she given in to those emotions and behind all that power and ego, Sunset could see what would have been waiting for her down that path.
Loneliness.
“Sinset, the power you offer has too high a price. It’s a power I don’t want nor need. Besides, what I have is far more powerful.”
“Sunset….please…..don’t reject me again. Please…”
Turning to her side, Sunset prepared her Burning Kamehameha.
“I am truly sorry, Sinset. It was my hatred, my shame, my anger that created you. You are a victim of circumstance, burdened with my sins due to no fault of your own.”
“Sunset, don’t do this! Just accept me! Accept my hatred! Accept YOUR hatred! PLEASE!”
Sunset, tears rolling down her face, prepared herself for her greatest challenge yet.
“The only thing I’ll except…”
Sinset stopped, seeing the dot that was Sunset glowing red.
“…is your forgiveness…”
Sinset grew furious.
“…for the sins I've committed on both of us.”
Her moist eyes set on her task, Sunset began.
“Kaaaaaameeeeee…”
Sinset closed her eyes.
“….damn you….”
“…haaaaaaaa….”
“Damn you, Sunset!”
“…..meeeeeeeee…..”
Sinset threw open her eyes and glared a hurtful look at Sunset as she brought her hands to the side of her chest and charged her attack, the purple coloured Galick Gun.
Sunset threw her arms forward.
“HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!”
As the Burning Kamehameha charged at her, Sinset threw her arms forward, doing the same.
“DAMN YOU!!!!!!!!!!! GALICK GUN!!!!!!!!!!!”
The two attacks collided together, causing enough force to split the ground enough to unearth an underground lake and create geysers so high they reach the two warriors struggle to overpower one another.
Slowly, the purple one did.
“Sunset!”
Fluttershy stood, surprise and fear written all over her face.
During the battles, Rarity had driven them to Crystal Prep, where they were surprised to see everyone from Canterlot High there as well. After Spike lead them away, Principle Celestia had contacted Dean Cadence for assistance in getting her students to safety. They had managed to collect everyone, but before they could leave town, Sunset’s transformation had damaged the roads they were on. Fearing the roads were to dangerous, Vice Principle Luna suggested they hold up at Crystal Prep, to which Dean Cadence agreed. Upon arriving, they were greeted by Principal Cinch, who directed everyone to the gymnasium where they had turned it into a rescue centre.
“Despite our ‘history’ I’m not about to turn away people in dire need.”
Upon arriving, students from both schools rushed out to help take Crimson Cloud to the infirmary before Applejack arrived.
“He’s still ALIVE! Thank goodness!”
After getting Crimson, Applejack and Pinkie set up in a private room together, Rarity felt confident enough to go and help out.
“I cannot stand around here and do nothing. Even if it’s just a little, I know I can be of some assistance.”
Moments later, Twilight had defeated Garble.
After returning with Twilight, Rarity began to look unwell, making Fluttershy insist she stay and rest. They all remained silent after that; Crimson and Twilight were unconscious, Applejack suffered from broken bones and damaged organs but insisted she stay by Cloud’s side. Pinkie, Rarity, and Fluttershy were all exhausted but could not fall asleep while Sunset and Rainbow continued fighting. They were starting to get worried when they hadn’t sense Rainbow power down when Scorpan’s power disappeared.
Until they sensed Sunset on the verge of losing her power.
“What in tarnation is that girl doing?”
As Fluttershy made her way to the window, she was joined by her three conscious friends with Pinkie placing her hand on the glass, hoping what they were feeling was wrong.
“This is bad! Sunset’s gonna kill herself if she keeps that up!”
“But what can we do? We are in no shape to help either of them.”
Applejack slammed her left fist into the wall, cracking it.
“Damn it! Ah hate this! There must be somethin we can do!”
“I realize the situation is most dire, perhaps I can help lift your spirits higher.”
Her fear replaced with joy, Fluttershy turned to the door with a smile on her face.
“Zecora! I’m so glad to see you again.”
Walking into the room with Spike at her heels, Zecora looked to each of them with a smile.
“As am I, Fluttershy, to see you all as well, knowing you are safe makes my heart swell.”
Pinkie was truly glad to see Zecora again, but she was confused about something.
“What are you doing at Crystal Prep? Are you a student here?”
“I am here at the request of your friend, Spike asked me to come and help you prevent our end.”
Spike hopped onto Twilight’s bed.
“I saw how upset you all were, being unable to help Rainbow and Sunset, so I asked Principle Celestia to ask Zecora if she knew of a way to help them. Principle Celestia told me she was on her way over, so I waited by the door until she did, then led her here.”
Rarity picked up Spike and hugged him.
“Oh, Spiky Wikey. You know just how to cheer us up.”
While Spike enjoyed the attention he was getting from Rarity, Applejack was getting antsy.
“It is good ta see ya again, Zecora. But how exactly are ya gonna lift our spirits higher? Lookin round, ah can’t help but feel we’ve run out of options.”
Walking between Crimson and Twilight’s beds, Zecora placed a hand on both of their shoulders, her look lingering on Crimson.
“I understand your feelings Applejack, but a new perspective could help you back on track.”
Fluttershy became hopeful.
“Do you know of another way we can help?”
Turning away from Crimson, Zecora gave a confident nod that lifted Pinkie’s spirits.
“That’s Grrrreat! What do we have to do?”
Facing everyone in the room, Zecora sat on the floor in a meditating position before levitating into the air.
“The heart and soul provide you with much strength, your bodies long reaching their limit must rest, offer it freely along the binding wavelength, to aid the one in their personal test.”
They all gave Zecora blank looks as Spike scratched his head.
“….can anyone translate?”
“I think…”
Fluttershy started as she looked out the window, where she could sense Sunset’s energy dropping faster.
“I think she's telling us to offer whatever energy we have to Sunset.”
As she spoke, Fluttershy reached out both her arms toward Sunset with the others following her example, annoyed as Applejack was.
“Why in tarnation didn’t she just say so?”
“As I’m sure your teachers would agree…”
Applejack looked at Zecora, hovering between Cloud and Twilight’s bed with one eye looking at her and a mischievous grin.
“…where is the fun in giving the answers for free?”
Silly as that answer was, Applejack couldn’t help but smile at the good natured wit before joining her friends in sharing their remaining power with Sunset.
Closing her eye, Zecora began her task.
This was it. The limit to her power. Sunset was sure her friendship with everyone would help her find the strength within herself to overcome Sinset, that all that talk about the magic of friendship would help her when she needed it most.
She was wrong.
“Do you see now, Sunset! How pathetic your ‘greater power’ truly is?”
Sunset had put everything she had into her Burning Kamehameha only to come up short.
Maybe I was wrong…
“Yes, you were.”
Maybe the power of friendship is just a childish dream…
“Yes, it is!”
The more Sunset thought about it, the closer Sinset’s Galick Gun got to her.
“Don’t give up!”
Sunset threw her eyes open as her power began to rise.
“Fluttershy?”
“We’re here for you!”
Her power swelled up so much, Sunset’s Kamehameha was pushing the Galick Gun away surprising Sinset.
“….no.”
“Pinkie Pie?”
“We’ll never give up on you, darling. Never!”
Tears started to slide down from her eyes as Sunset’s power swelled even more, empowering her attack past what she had it at when she launched it.
“Rarity…”
Sinset poured more power into her attack, forcing the two into a stalemate.
“Stop helping her! She doesn’t NEED YOU!”
“We believe in you!”
“Spike.”
Sunset could feel her attack slowly pushing forward, inch by inch. Just then, she felt like a hand was on her left shoulder.
“Now don’t you go forgettin what yer fightin for, ya hear?”
Just as her power swelled to its original level, forcing her Burning Kamehameha closer toward Sinset, Sunset swore she felt her friends floating behind her.
With Applejack right beside her, her hand firmly on Sunset’s shoulder.
“Applejack. My friends.”
Just then, Sinset exploded with power, pushing Sunset’s attack back.
“FOOL! Their power is NOTHING compared to my HATRED!”
As Sinset’s Galick Gun was about to push past the halfway point between the two of them, Sunset’s power rose to meet it, her Burning Kamehameha staling it right at the halfway point.
“NO! STOP INTERFERING!”
“NEVER!”
Appearing on her right side, Twilight placed her hand on Sunset’s right shoulder.
“Twilight?”
“As long as you keep trying to hurt our friend, WE’LL NEVER STOP!”
Twilight was sitting up on her bed as she focused on sending her power to Sunset.
Zecora was still levitating behind Twilight, happy she was successful.
Now that Twilight’s mind is healed, she can aid in levelling the field.
Turning toward Crimson, Zecora became somber.
Though waking young Cloud here, will not be so easy a task, I fear.
I’m gonna kill him. Yep. As soon as I get my hands on him, I’m gonna kick the jerk right out of him!
Super Rainbow Dash had been Scorpan’s punching bag since he used his spell to hinder her sense of sight, sound, scent, and taste, effectively rendering her ability to speak, useless.
I sure hope Twilight doesn't know that spell. How else are people gonna know how awesome I am if I don’t tell them!
Getting kicked in the ribs had brought her back to her current problem of being a punching bag. It was taking a lot for Super Rainbow Dash to maintain her Super form and if she couldn’t end this soon…
Argh! Then there’s whatever’s going on with Sunset! That’s it! No more defence! I need to figure out a way to beat him without my senses. How hard could that be?
Scorpan tripped Super Rainbow Dash before kicking her into the air zooming past her and hammer fisting her, sending her straight into the ground, crating a large crater.
He is so dead! Argh! DAMN IT! I’m not a strategist! That’s Twilight’s thing! Oh….I got it! I just need to ask myself what would Twilight do!
Super Rainbow Dash rolled onto her hands and knees just as Scorpan unleashed a barrage of energy shots at her.
Damn it! Okay Rainbow Dash, think! What would Twilight do if she were in my place? She would think of some super smart way to, I don’t know, use this disability to her advantage. Damn it! I don’t know how much longer I can take these stupid blasts of his! ………….Wait a minute!
Super Rainbow Dash cased her senses as far up as she figured she had to and still could not sense him anywhere.
Damn it again! I thought that would work, but somehow, he’s able to mask his energy signature even when he’s at his strongest! Argh! How do you fight someone who's practically invisible?
Scorpan stopped his barrage to see that Super Rainbow Dash hadn’t moved but had taken noticeable damage.
“Well Rainbow, it seems you were unable to figure out a way to overcome the spell. I’m a little surprised, to be honest.”
He waited to see if Super Rainbow Dash had any last minute counters before making up his mind.
“You disappoint me, Rainbow Dash. Beneath all that bravado, you were nothing more then a child who gives up after getting sand kicked in her eyes.”
Charging to his maximum, Scorpan prepared his final attack.
“Farewell, Rainbow Dash. For the most part, You were a worthy opponent.”
With that, Scorpan rocketed toward Super Rainbow Dash, intent on breaking her back.
That’s when she thought of something.
What if, instead of trying to find him, I look for disturbances in the air flow? Invisible or not, he’s still taking up space.
Giving her theory a try, Super Rainbow Dash was able to feel the air right above her being forced away real fast.
SUGAR HONEY ICE TEA!
With literally milliseconds to work with, Super Rainbow Dash rolled to her right just as she tucked in her left wing, resulting in Scorpan crashing fist first into the ground. Confident in her ability to read the air currents, Super Rainbow Dash stood tall and ready to fight as Scorpan launched out of the ground, screaming and very unhappy.
“How did you do it? HOW DID YOU DODGE ME?”
To Super Rainbow Dash, all he was was a Scorpan stain in the sky.
A stain I’m gonna enjoy wiping away.
Casting her senses to Sunset Shimmer, Super Rainbow Dash could tell she was hanging in there, but that wasn’t gonna last long.
I have no time to waste with him. I need to end this. Fast!
Scorpan calmed himself down.
“It was luck. You are obviously still under the effects of my spell. It was most likely a last ditch effort to stay alive.”
With that Scorpan raced toward Super Rainbow Dash and appeared behind her right side.
“It won’t happen a….ah…ah…”
Scorpan was forced to admit that Super Rainbow Dash figured out a way to not only dodge him, but follow him after she had drove her left fist into his stomach.
“….well….played…Super….Rainbow….Dash.”
Feeling him go limp on her arm, Super Rainbow Dash pulled her fist free, allowing Scorpan to collapse to the ground.
AH YEAH!!!!!!! I can’t wait to tell Twilight! ………..On second thought, I don’t want her thinking she was right about strategizing. She’s right about enough stuff as it is.
Casting her senses toward Applejack and the others, Super Rainbow Dash noticed they were all aiming their arms toward Sunset.
Sending her their remaining energy. In that case.
Super Rainbow Dash faced Sunset’s direction and aimed both her arms toward her.
Their powers were equal. One fuelled by hatred, the other by love and while it took many years worth of hatred to reach that level, it only took less then a year to earn the love to reach this point, and there was more to come.
Sunset was thrilled and humbled that her friends gave her their energy, energy that not only rivalled her at full power Super Saiyan 3 but also surpassed it, so when Sunset received Super Rainbow Dash’s energy, she was dumbfounded by the level of power she reached.
“Everyone’s waiting on you now, Sunset.”
As soon as she heard that, Sunset felt two hands slam down on the top of her shoulders making her smirk.
“Late to the party as usual, Rainbow Dash."
“Better late then never, right?”
“Right.”
With her power at her greatest yet, Sunset unleashed everything into her Burning Kamehameha, easily pushing the Galick Gun back towards Sinset.
“NO! THIS CAN’T BE HAPPENING! MY POWER IS STRONGER THEN YOU!”
With that rise in anger, Sinset was able to slow the Burning Kamehameha’s approach.
“That maybe true. You might be stronger then I am…”
Sunset allowed herself to feel true joy for having such wonderful friends.
“…BUT YOU’RE NOT STRONGER THEN ALL OF US!”
With that declaration, Sunset and the mirages of her friends, poured everything into her attack, launching it straight through Sinset’s Galick Gun.
Sinset could only watch as Sunset’s Burning Kamehameha came for her.
“Sunset…I…”
Engulfed by the scorching Burning Kamehameha, Sinset was overcome with so much pain, it numbed her body before disintegrating it.
In her last moments, she spoke with Sunset through their bond.
“I just….wanted…to be…together again. You left me….so alone.”
“I know I wronged you, Sinset. All I can say is, I truly am sorry. I hope you find peace in the next life.”
“…Sunset?”
“Yes, Sinset?”
“Am I…a bad person?”
“…………..no. You just made mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes.”
“….Thank you.”
The Burning Kamehameha continued on into space, all traces of Sinset burned away. Sensing no trace of her, Sunset stopped the flow of energy into it, stopping her attack then slowly descended to an island created by the underground lake until she was a few feet above it did her Super Saiyan 3 form dispersed.
She fell to the ground, face first, broken and exhausted.
Let’s see, my skull is throbbing so there’s a good chance I have a concussion as well as a cracked skull. My face hurts so there’s probably a few cracked spots. My chest, arms and legs all throb as do my muscles. I’m not even gonna guess how bad my organs are.
Fighting threw the pain, Sunset pushed herself up until she fell on her butt and stretched out her possiblely broken legs with the stupidest grin on her face.
"All-in-all? Not a bad day. hehehehehehahahahahahahaha.”
To low on energy to sustain it, Rainbow reverted back to her base form as her arms fell to her side all while taking very deep breaths. To her great delight, Rainbow had finally noticed her senses had returned.
“Alright. Now that that’s done. Look out spa, here I………crap.”
In the midst of her celebration, Rainbow hadn’t noticed Scorpan getting up.
“OH COME ON!"
Turning around, Scorpan fell on his butt while placing his arms behind him to keep from falling.
“Calm down, Rainbow Dash. I’m in no condition to continue fighting you.”
“You aren’t? Well….good! Cause if you were, I would’ve totally…”
Catching Scorpan’s eye, Rainbow gave up.
“You know what? Forget it.”
Not caring about anything any more, Rainbow Dash collapses onto her back.
“I’m too tired to boast about myself.”
“Oh my. I suppose I should take some warm clothing with me when I go back to the Demon Realm."
“…..Why?”
Scorpan chuckled.
“In case it froze over.”
“……………….HEY!”
Laughing now, Scorpan laid down as well.
Always able to take a joke, Rainbow smiled as a thought came to mind.
“This is the second time I’ve heard you laugh like that. Have you never had fun before?”
Normally, he would dodge the question until he determined how Rainbow Dash had heard him the first time.
But right now, he just didn’t care.
“It’s rare for me to find something I find fun back home. Especially when your brother was its lord.”
“I still don’t see how you two could be brothers. There was no resemblance at all.”
“You’ve only seen Tirek once in the span of a few minutes. How would you know?”
“Has it ever acquired to you that I have a really good memory?”
Scorpan looked at Rainbow who looked back at Scorpan, causing his chest to tighten.
What was that?
“No, I suppose it hadn’t. Although, your creativity is more then I can fathom.”
“Heh, your just relentless with those jabs. Is that a requirement for being a demon lords brother?”
Standing up, Scorpan stretched out his sore arms.
“In a way. It was the only thing I surpassed Tirek on.”
Rainbow laughed then stopped as she watched Scorpan walk straight for her. She wasn’t sure what he was going to do until he held out his hand for Rainbow, that joyful smile still present.
Taking his hand, Rainbow was hoisted to her feet.
“….you’re really throwing me off.”
Still holding on to her hand, Scorpan couldn’t help but notice how deep her reddish eyes were.
Where are these thoughts coming from? I couldn’t be….
“Excuse me?”
“Ever since you told me about Tirek and how Somrek used his power to do something to Sunset, I’ve been getting mixed signals from you.”
Retrieving his hand, Scorpan turned around.
“I have never met anyone quite like you, Rainbow Dash. Battling you, catching a glimpse of your perspective, Hell, having a conversation with you…”
Turning to meet her eyes, seeing the growing understanding within.
“I will never forget the moments I spent with you.”
Bringing his arm up, Scorpan casts a spell that opened a portal just big enough for him to go through.
“Wait.”
“….”
“Is that how you want it to end? Before even trying?”
Turning to face her fully, Scorpan could see the same struggle within himself.
Do we want to try?
“Rainbow Dash.”
Scorpan walked toward her.
“Whether you feel as I do, I do not know.”
Standing before her, Rainbows fearless gaze never wavering from his since the moment they first locked eyes, Scorpan chanced one final action.
“But as much as I’d want too…”
Reaching his hand to her face, Rainbow never flinched when Scorpan cupped her face, the only gentle act he had made toward her.
Soft
“With Tirek gone, unless I return to take control, the next Demon Lord might start a war with your realm.”
Rainbow, surprised with herself, placed her hand on the hand Scorpan currently had caressing her face, understanding his loyalty towards his responsibility as the rightful heir to the Demon Realm’s throne.
I wonder if this is what Applejack is going through.
After their last battle with King Sombra and Sunset telling them her feelings for Crimson, Rainbow had stumbled onto Applejack, crying her eyes out. Applejack told her everything; her feelings for Crimson, his feelings for Sunset, and how much both of them were willing to sacrifice everything for each other.
All Applejack can do was watch them find each other, and nurse her broken heart.
Now here she was, falling for a guy that’s not only not from this world, he’s not even from this Realm. A guy with far too great a responsibility to both realms to ask him to be with her.
Even though she knew his answer would be yes.
“I may not get a whole lot of things, but I do understand. Even if I don’t want too.”
Realizing that with every second together, it would be that much harder to part, Scorpan removed his hand, much to the dismay of the both of them and took a step back.
And from out of no where, Rainbow pounced.
Wrapping her arms around his neck, Rainbow brought her lips to his and kissed him.
Applejack missed her chance. I am NOT missing mine!
Startled, Scorpan slowly eased into the kiss as his arms wrapped around the small of her back. Being the first time for the both of them, they fumbled around with their tongues, before finally breaking it. Rainbow released her hold on him, placing her hands on his chest while Scorpan rested his hands on her hips.
Rainbow, with tears in her eyes, smiled.
“You better not mess up over there, or else I’ll have to come over and knock some sense into you.”
Scorpan smirked, taking this moment to memorize her beautiful face.
“Don’t tempt me. Besides, I will have died of frostbite before you’d get the chance.”
Flashing each other one last joyful smile, Scorpan stepped away from Rainbow and through the portal.
“I will never forget you, Rainbow Dash.”
“You better not, Scorpan. Because I’ll never forget you.”
Their final goodbyes said, the portal closed as Rainbow released all the pain of never seeing Scorpan again.
She screams.
Opening her eyes, Zecora found herself in a empty space completely devoid of any light aside from her aura. Casting out in all directions, Zecora was determined to find Crimson as quickly as possible. Under the impression that Sunset was still combating Sinset was a primary motivator for her as she recalled the dark tendencies that made up Sunset’s dark opposite. Having worked with Sunset to channel that dark desire into fuel for helping her friends which seemed to have worked, even more so after developing a romantic attraction with Crimson.
Hence her reason for being in that dark room.
The soft sound of a piano catches Zecora’s attention, turning to the direction it was coming from she saw what looked like the start of a scene in a play as a spot in the darkness lit up to reveal a moment in Crimson’s life.
A moment that’s keeping him in this coma like sleep.
The piano music was joined by lyrics of a song she did not recognize as the scene started with Crimson at his locker while other students walked by, and Sunset was at her locker just on the other side.
“This must be the moment in their lives, when the two of them first locked eyes.”
Closing his locker, Crimson turned just when there was a break in the line of students, only to come face to face with Hoops and his friends, Dumb-bell, and Score.
“Well, well, well. If it isn’t ‘Crying Cloud’. What’s in the locker? More of those geeky collector cards of yours?"
Laughing, the three boys managed to draw a crowd that began to laugh with them. Crimson tried to speak, but his words never came out.
Zecora watched in horror at the humiliation the students were putting Crimson through.
“Whether a nightmare or memory it does not matter, it does not make this moment any less sadder.”
While that was going on, she noticed Sunset just standing there, not joining in but not stopping it either, making Zecora wonder what her purpose in this play was. Looking at Crimson again, Zecora noticed how he couldn’t speak but still move, as if this perpetual scene had a specific ending that only Crimson could make but he was making the wrong movements. Just as the laughing got worst, Zecora saw a bubble appear above Crimson’s head. Inside, it showed a memory of Crimson in class when the collector cards he had in his bag fell out causing his classmates to laugh at him. Zecora couldn’t believe how cruel school was to some people; her time at school was one of the best times of her life before becoming a spiritualist. Watching the bubble change to another humiliating moment in Crimson’s life, Zecora was forced to see school life through the eyes of an unfortunate young man that didn’t have the same time as she had.
“I never knew why she spoke fondly of you, seeing this and knowing what you will become, I think I have a clue.”
That’s when she thought of something.
“Could it be that what he must do, is to make his one become two?”
Looking at Crimson, Zecora saw the one common fact in all the memories appearing in his memory bubble.
He was all alone.
“If he could just reenact the moment they met, he might wake up after meeting Sunset!”
Zecora had it figured out, the only question was how could she tell him? As she was discovering the solution, Zecora didn’t notice Sunset walking away from her locker. As soon as she left, the music turned into a instrumental piece causing the floor to open up under Crimson. Confident she was right, Zecora made her way to Crimson as he floated around in circles with his back to her, mumbling to himself.
“No more, please. I can’t TAKE it! Please! Make it stop. Please….”
Just as the music returned to it’s piano melody, Zecora floated behind Crimson and softly whispered.
“You must look past your fear, to discover that which you hold most dear.”
Seeing his head moving around, looking for something, as she spoke, Zecora was confident he heard her and that he would figure it out. Suddenly, Crimson shot back up and returned to his torment.
Crimson coward as he stood in front of all those students laughing at him. He despises being humiliated but couldn’t figure out a way to make them stop short of fighting.
His fear of so many of them stopped him from acting.
“You must look past your fear…”
His eyes opened with shock as that familiar voice filled his ears.
“…to discover that which you hold most dear.”
…what could I possible lose?
Moving his hands from his face, all he could see was Hoops, laughing at him.
“…look past your fear…”
Fixing a glare on his face, Crimson ignored Hoops’s threats and focused his attention behind him.
That’s when he saw her.
First he saw her long red and yellow hair before she turned to show the side of her face. Seeing part of her face caused memories to flash through his mind; memories of watching her fight Adagio and her decision to save her friends over joining her fellow Saiyans.
Crimson also remembered the feelings he had for her.
No longer worried about the crowd, Crimson pushed past Hoops and his two buddies.
“Where do you think your going?”
Hoops, Dumb-bell, and Score attacked Crimson, but to him, they weren’t even there, making their physical attacks non-existent. Just as the music stopped, Crimson was standing behind Sunset, too scared to speak for fear of humiliating himself even more.
“You must look past your fear, to discover that which you hold most dear.”
It worked before…
Taking a deep breath to calm his rapid heart, Crimson cleared his throat.
“Um, hi. How are you doing?”
Sunset remained silent.
“…um…my name is Crimson Cloud. I’ve seen you around and, I…um…”
“You’re wasting your time.”
Crimson was more surprised that she responded then by her reply.
Oh NO! This is what I was afraid of. She’s rejecting me!
“uh…wh…what makes you say that?”
“I’m a danger to be around.”
Closing her locker, Sunset started to walk away only for Crimson to reach out and lightly grab her left bicep, noticing how hard it got when she flexed in response, making more memories appear in his mind. Memories of him watching Sunset in her Super Saiyan 2 form, excepting defeat.
“No Sunset. You’re stronger then this. You can beat him. You’re so strong, and brave, and…beautiful.”
When did that…
“Let go of me…”
Snapping out of his memory, Cloud noticed he was still holding Sunset’s arm.
“…before something bad happens to you.”
“….I’m not afraid.”
“You should be! I attract the worst this universe has to offer, people get hurt around me, and sooner or later, someone will end up dead because of me!”
Sunset freed her arm from Crimson’s hold.
“For your own sack, stay away from me.”
Watching Sunset walk away, Crimson couldn’t help feel like this was wrong; that their first meeting wasn’t suppose to be like this, like someone was forcing him to do more then what he was suppose too.
Forcing him to admit what he really wants.
“I’ll fight WITH you!”
Sunset stopped, causing the hallway to disappear and two shadowy figures to appear; one beside Sunset and the other standing between the two.
“That’s not the answer she’s looking for.”
“What the…? Who are you? What’s going on?”
Watching from afar, Zecora was surprised by this turn of events.
“By the Sun’s dawn, what is going on?”
“You have a choice to make, Crimson. And not, I imagine, an easy one.”
“What choice? Who are you? Tell me! NOW!”
“All in due time. But first, your choices.”
A spot light shines on Sunset.
“Will you choose Sunset Shimmer, The proud Saiyan warrior. Or…”
Another spot light shines on the second shadowy figure, revealing it to be someone that made Crimson’s eyes widen in surprise.
“…Applejack, the honest human farmer?”
Seeing the revealed Applejack, Zecora thought back to when she had walked into the room Crimson and their friends were in.
And the way Applejack was looking at him.
“Be careful, young Crimson, on which of them you pick as ‘the one’.”
“Applejack? What does she have to do with this? What choice are you forcing me to make?”
“Come now, CLOU-DY. Are you really that blind?”
The Figure pointed above him to another bubble that showed Crimson training with Applejack to improve their Kaioken. Once they finished, Crimson had gotten curious.
“Phew. You’re getting better with your Kaioken, Applejack. Tell me again why you wanted to learn it?”
“Ah told ya before, ah thought it was ah pretty impressive thing ta have, especially with how many visitors we keep gettin that seem ta be stronger then the last. It just doesn’t feel right leaving Rainbow and Sunset ta do all the fightin.”
“That, and you can’t stand the fact that Rainbow has a new Super form.”
“Don’t even start that, Cloudy. Ya know how much her braggin gets on mah nerves.”
The memory disappears with the two of them laughing, as Crimson stood there.
Speechless.
“All that time training with her, talking with her, opening up to her, you never once thought she might. oh, I don’t know, develop feelings for you?”
“But…she know’s I…have feelings for Sunset.”
“What feelings? You mean the same feelings you can’t say aloud, even within your own mind?”
Crimson looked at the two woman behind The Figure, unable to believe he was so blind, so foolish.
So cowardly.
“But Applejack…never showed any sign that she…”
“Why would she? Who in their right mind would admit their feelings for someone who obviously has their sights set on someone else? You of all people should understand that.”
Drawing his attention back to the bubble, The Figure showed Crimson the many memories of when he wanted to meet Sunset but only able to watch her from afar.
“You had allowed your fear to stop you from trying. And then she started dating Flash Sentry.”
The bubble showed a memory of Crimson, tears streaming down his face as Sunset and Flash were holding hands just around the corner from him.
That was a dark time for Crimson.
“After going through the same thing she is now, can you really blame her for keeping quiet about her feelings?”
Crimson looked back at Sunset and Applejack as tears rolled down his face.
Zecora couldn’t figure it out. What was the point in all of this? Did Crimson know Applejack had feelings for him on a subconscious level, causing his guilt to make him choose between them? If that were the case, why was he trapped in a memory of Sunset and not a nightmare where he had to make that choice? Taking a closer look at The Figure, Zecora just couldn’t figure out why Crimson’s mind would create such a character that seemed hell bent on condemning his choosing of Sunset. Guilty or not, Crimson made his choice, so why would he…
Suddenly, an idea came to her.
“What if the answer is not obvious at first glance, that this Figure’s appearance is the work of chance?”
“How could I have been so blind? How could I have done that to Applejack? Oh, Applejack, I’m so sorry!”
Guilty for blindly focusing on Sunset and not giving Applejack a single opportunity to act, Crimson fell to his knees, the burden on his conscience too heavy to stand.
“Because of your single minded pursuit and inaction to get that which you most wanted…”
That caught Crimson’s attention.
“…you caused all three of you to suffer. And now it’s finally time for you to choose. Which one truly deserves your love!”
Crimson couldn’t make sense of what was going on. He had wanted to be with Sunset for so long yet was unable to openly admit his feelings for her and with Applejack, he saw his actions cause the exact same thing to happen to her that he had gone through; he couldn’t figure out which one was the right choice to make.
Or whether there was a right choice.
“You must look past your fear, to discover that which you hold most dear.”
There’s that voice again. How can I look past my fear, if that fear is hurting one of my friends by choosing the other? Should I choose at all? Would their lives be better off if I wasn’t in it?
Sinking deeper into his self doubt, Crimson couldn’t help but remember feeling this way once before; the powerlessness that he felt when he wanted to do something, but deciding against it because of his fear.
And then he met Sunset Shimmer.
Throwing his eyes open, Crimson looked at Sunset, startling The Figure as she stood there with her back toward him, Crimson remembered what sparked his feelings for her. The Saiyans had beaten the Fighters of Harmony and were about to kill everyone when Sunset Shimmer stood back up, refusing to let them win. Crimson hadn’t evacuated with the other students because he wanted to see the Fighters in action so when he saw the new alien girl stand up to protect the planet she herself tried to conquer, he could only imagine the fear she went through, fighting her own kind to protect a world that might not except her.
Standing there, facing her fears without hesitation, how could he not fall in love with her.
“I choice Sunset Shimmer.”
Standing up, Crimson walked past The Figure,
“Why? Why her?”
Turning on him, Crimson spoke his answer proudly and without hesitation.
“Because I love her.”
Zecora, even from so far away, could feel the power behind his answer, knowing he had made the right one for himself.
“Sunset will be most pleased, with Crimson’s answer indeed.”
“What about Applejack? Would you cast her feelings aside and have her suffer as you have?”
“I haven’t forgotten her feelings nor will I just cast them aside. As soon as I am able, I’ll tell her straight out who I love." Crimson smiles. “Knowing her, she’ll accept my decision, wish us the best of luck, and move on.”
“How in the world could you possible KNOW that?”
“Have you forgotten already? You’re the one that said it was my inaction that was hurting us. Telling them who I chose will get things between us sorted out and free to move forward. Besides…” Turning around, Crimson heads straight for Sunset. “…our friends will be there to support us. They won’t let this keep Applejack down.”
“No!”
Just as he was about to place his hand on Sunset’s shoulder, The Figure fired an energy blast making Crimson turn to block it.
“I won’t let her ruin things for me again!”
“I think it’s past time you told me who you are. You’re awfully determined to keep me away from Sunset! What do you have to gain from keeping us apart?”
“Without her, you’ll go back to who you were. Back to when it was just you and me!”
At that moment, the shadowy aura surrounding The Figure solidified to form devilish wings before opening them up to revealing a demonic, grinning version of himself.
“I am Crimeson Clutter, your Inner Demon. The waste basket for all the insecurities and humiliation you suffered throughout your life.”
Zecora couldn’t believe her eyes; judging by what she was sensing, Zecora concluded that the same thing must have happened to Sunset.
That Somrek must have had a part in both situations.
Unable to stay on the side lines, knowing Sunset might still need Crimson’s help, Zecora made her move.
“My Inner Demon? Where in the hell did you come from?”
Crimeson Clutter charged Sunset, making Crimson activate his Kaioken x100 just to stop him from attacking her.
Damn! How strong is he?
“Even when she is just a figment of your subconscious, why would you sacrifice your own body trying to save her?”
“If you are my insecurities, then you know why! I will not stand by and let people I care about be hurt!"
“Even if they are far stronger then you and can take far more punishment then you can?”
Just then, Crimson figured it out.
“You’re not mad at Sunset for taking away my insecurities, You blame her for what happened to me.”
Crimeson exploded with power, forcing Crimson closer toward Sunset.
“YOU NEARLY DIED TRYING TO PROTECT HER FROM A BLAST SHE COULD HAVE EASILY SURVIVED, AND YOU KNOW IT!”
What?
As she prepared to make her move, Zecora held off her attack to listen to what Crimeson had to say.
“What difference does it make if she could have survived or not? She was in danger so I acted.”
“You can’t fool me! You knew full well she could have survived Somrek’s attack, yet you dove in front of it anyway. WHY?”
Pushing back against Crimeson, Cloud spared a glance back at Sunset who had not moved throughout this entire ordeal, before facing Crimeson with his eyes closed.
“To help her grow stronger.”
“WHAT?”
Zecora watched them struggle, surprised more so then shocked, that Crimson managed to figure it out. Working with Sunset, Zecora found out that it was her need to save everyone that made her push herself to get stronger, but it wasn’t until she thought Adagio and her crew would kill her friends did she finally transform.
Opening his eyes, Crimson told Crimeson everything.
“Yes, I knew she could have survived the attack, but if she had, Sunset still would have been too weak to beat Somrek. It was after I fell in love with her, when she stood up against the Saiyans. The Saiyan Adagio threatened to kill everyone after they killed her, and just like that, she transformed into a Super Saiyan.”
Still locked with Crimeson, Crimson looked again at Sunset.
“I realized it was her need to stop them and the thought of losing her friends that gave her enough of a push to transform.”
Crimson looked back at Crimeson.
“It happened again when King Sombra killed Iron Will."
Zecora felt a pang in her heart at hearing Iron Will’s name.
“After seeing that, Sunset achieved the second transformation of Super Saiyan. That got me thinking about what would happen if one of us were killed, people who she considered friends? What level of power would she reach?” Crimson smiled. “After what had happened to me, I’m glad I was conscious enough to have seen her transform into Super Saiyan 3.”
Surprised by Crimson’s confession, Crimeson eased up on their struggle.
“You gave your life….so she could get strong enough…to defeat Somrek?”
“Yes!”
Noticing Crimeson had dropped his guard, pushed him back a bit then before firing his attack, the blue Heavy Buster, blasting Crimeson even further back and allowing Crimson to release his Kaioken.
“If it meant giving her the chance to beat Somrek, then I'd gladly do it again!”
Distracted by Crimson’s show of power, Crimeson didn’t notice when he was bound up in ropes of light.
“What is this! Let me GO!”
“I hope you don’t mind if I cut in…”
Crimson looked at Zecora surprised to see her in his mind.
“…but you have more important tasks then your twin.”
“Zecora? How did you…?”
“Do not worry about that or this threat, you must hurry and help Sunset!"
With that, Crimson nodded. He turned to Sunset and place his hand on her shoulder, causing the memory to play out.
“Why? Why would you fight with someone who attracts so much danger?”
Crimson smiled as he recalled the exact words he said to her that day.
“The way I see it, if I fight with you, you won’t have to face those dangers alone, which means you can lower your guard more often, which means you can have fun, relax, maybe…uh…”
Sunset Shimmer turned her head just enough to have noticeably moved.
“…have lunch with me…sometime?”
Sunset walked out the door but held it open.
“….it’s Sunset. Sunset Shimmer.”
Sunset turned to reveal she had a smile on her face.
“And I’d love to have lunch with you.”
Smiling, Crimson walked through the door, side by side with the woman he loved.
Having dozed of for a bit, Sunset had this unsettling feeling that woke her up. Ignoring the pain her body was in, she sat up, using her arms to support herself as Sunset cast her senses out around her.
That’s when she sensed him.
“…tell me….Sunset….Shimmer…?”
Slowly, Sunset turned her head around to see Somrek slowly approach, his hand covering the wound she had inflicted.
“Do you…still…enjoy fighting….when you….are about….to die?”
As he is now, Sunset could tell Somrek lost a lot of power, enough that she wouldn’t need to go Super Saiyan 2 to beat him, but as she was now…
“How did you survive?”
Somrek drew closer.
“I’m not some….Saiyan or….weakling human. I can…survive….such a….minor wound…like this.”
As Somrek got closer, Sunset could only think of one thing.
Where’s Applejack when you need her countryism?
Having calmed herself down, Rainbow had started heading towards Sunset to bring her back to their friends when she felt it.
She could sense Somrek approaching Sunset.
“Oh no.”
Using what energy she had left, Rainbow raced off as fast as she could to help Sunset.
But, even then…
“Hold on, Sunset! I’m coming as fast as I can!”
After giving their energies to help Sunset, Pinkie had been the first to hug Twilight for her victory of Garble and was siting beside the window as Fluttershy and Spike sat with Twilight and Applejack sat with Crimson while Rarity stepped out to get everyone something to eat. She had just returned, using her barrier power as a tray for the food, when Pinkie felt Rainbow Dash pick up speed on her way to Sunset.
“Here you are, darlings. I found us some delectable treats to quiet the rumblings of our stomachs.”
“Thank ya kindly, Rarity. Ah was getting hungrier then my pigs at the farm.”
Just as Rarity was about to pass out the food she had, Pinkie had figured out what made Rainbow speed up.
“‘gasp” Ohnononononononono! This is bad! This is bad! This is bad!”
Fluttershy, thinking it was Rarity’s food selection, gave Pinkie a sympathetic smile.
“Oh Pinkie, they’re not so bad. They may not be snacks you enjoy, but I’m sure they’ll taste just great.”
“Yes, darling. You should try it before…”
Pinkie turned on them, panicking.
“No! You guys! I’m not talking about the food! I’m talking about Dashie!”
Twilight sat up forcing Spike onto Fluttershy’s lap.
“What’s wrong with Rainbow Dash? Is she alright?”
“She’s moving really fast to Sunset. But since we all gave her our energy, I don’t think Rainbow's gonna make it in time!”
“In time for what, darling?”
“In time to save Sunset from Somrek!”
The room shook as they all shouted “what!” before joining Pinkie Pie at the window, just as Crimson’s eyes flew open.
“Can’t you feel him? It’s weak, but he’s definitely alive.”
“That confounded, piece of garbage, no good, scumbag! He MUST be part cockroach cause he’s damn near impossible ta get rid of!”
Applejack raged as Fluttershy turned to Twilight.
“Can you Teleport to her from here?”
“I could have, but I’m far too weak after giving her my energy. Rainbow is Sunset’s only hope.”
“Am I that forgettable?”
They all turned to see Crimson standing right behind them, much to Applejacks joy.
“Cloud! Yer finally awake!”
“I figured I’d rested long enough.”
Allowing him to get to the window, Crimson placed his hands on the glass.
Take my power, Sunset. Use it to put this guy down for good!
Standing over her with a vengeful look, Somrek lifted his foot over the still downed Sunset.
“It is about time I stomped out the last of your retched race!”
How long has he been wanting to use that one?
Raising her arm in an attempt to stop him, Sunset glared defiantly at Somrek, showing no signs of surrender.
Never again, Cloud. I’m sorry I couldn’t avenge you.
At that moment, Sunset had just received Crimson’s power right before Somrek slammed his foot down. Reenforcing her arm, Sunset had caught Somrek’s foot, surprising him.
“…no.”
Looking him dead in the eye, Sunset flashed him a toothy grin.
“Yes.”
Sunset threw Somrek back to the other side of the little island they were on before standing up, her limbs reenforced by the energy she had received.
Sunset’s eyes filled with tears knowing it was from Cloud.
“Damn it, Cloud. This is the second time you saved me from this guy. I’d better put him down for good before this becomes a trilogy.”
As she spoke, Sunset had made her way to the centre of the island as she watched Somrek stand up.
“How? How are you able to oppose me? Tell me, HOW?”
Using the energy Cloud had given her, Sunset easily transformed into her Super Saiyan form.
“You asked me once how I could believe in my friends. This is how. It hasn’t been my power that’s been beating you, Somrek. It has been the power I share with my friends. Even now, the power I’m using belongs to the same man that helped me achieve my Super Saiyan 3 level.”
“It can’t be! He’s suppose to be dead!”
Bringing her hands to her sides beside her chest while bending her knees, Sunset prepared to use Cloud’s Heavy Buster.
“I’ve found that humans posses powers and abilities the likes of which you will never comprehend, which is why I stand by there side.”
Charging her attack, Sunset watched as Somrek stood at the island edge, bracing himself.
“Because they’re a race I’d rather have as friends then enemies. Isn’t that right, Rainbow Dash?”
Somrek visible groaned when Rainbow Dash landed beside Sunset.
“Ah, of course! Whatever race has me in it, you know it’s awesome!”
Charging to her max, Rainbow placed her wrist together in front of her to use her super attack, the yellow coloured Lightning Flash.
“Whether she’s a human or a pony, Rainbow Dash makes everything 20% cooler.”
Sunset chuckled at that before focusing on Somrek, who looked like he was seconds away from running.
“This isn’t the end! I WILL return!”
“Of course you will.”
“And we’ll be ready!”
“HEAVY BUSTER!”
“LIGHTNING FLASH!”
Their attacks combined to make a single beam of green energy, destroying Somrek completely.
While waiting for Sunset and Rainbows return, Crimson was told what had happened since he was thought to be dead. Fluttershy had said it was a miracle he had survived the attack until he explained that the attack wasn’t meant to kill, otherwise it would have exploded on impact. After that he congratulated everyone for their parts in putting an end to the pseudo invasion
“You guys certainly picked up the slack after I was knocked out.”
Applejack had placed her hand on his shoulder, making Cloud feel nervous.
“Ya make it sound like ya weren’t useful at all.”
Pinkie had jumped in by jumping on the bed he was sitting on.
“Yeah! If it hadn’t of been for you, Sunset wouldn’t have transformed. He would have kept hurting her instead. The big jerk face!”
After that, they all ate what Rarity had brought them until Applejack asked what had happened that kept him in that coma, as well as how he finally woke up and Fluttershy asking about Zecora.
“She’s still in a trance. Is she still inside your mind?”
“I didn’t think it was possible to be inside a waking mind. After she woke me up, Zecora returned to her own mind.”
Looking around his friends, Crimson had looked at Applejack before facing forward and closing his eyes.
“I know you are all curious, but let me speak with Sunset first. Then I’ll tell you everything.”
Crimson had sensed Applejack flinch when he mentioned Sunset.
She really does have feelings for me. Great….
No one had spoke after that.
Finishing his snack, Crimson felt Sunset and Rainbow Dash just outside the school, as well as Applejack get up to leave.
“Wait, Applejack.”
Applejack froze as Cloud spoke loud enough for her to hear but not the others.
“I also need to speak with you.”
Applejack turned to face Cloud.
“W-w-why me?”
Turning to meet her eyes, Cloud had a sad knowing smile that made her eyes widen in shock.
Oh Sugar Honey Ice Tea! He knows!
Turning to walk away, Cloud pleaded.
“Please, Applejack. For both are sakes, please.”
Before Applejack could do anything, the door opened as Rainbow Dash walked in followed by Sunset Shimmer.
“Guess who beat the bad guy?”
Everyone gathered around them, allowing Fluttershy to work on healing Sunset and blocking Applejack’s escape until Pinkie spoke up.
“Allllllrighty! Now that everything is back to normal, it’s time to give Sunset and Crimson some ‘alone time’.”
“What?!”
Pinkie’s bluntness had surprising Sunset and Applejack but just made Cloud shake his head after he face palmed, prompting Rarity to address Sunset.
“What Pinkie means is that, Crimson wanted to speak to you before he told us what happened to him after everyone thought him dead.”
“Oh. Okay.”
“Are you sure, Sunset? Maybe I should stay.”
“I’ll be fine, Fluttershy. I’m not in immediate danger of dying.”
“That’s cool. I’m starving, so I’m gonna grab some grub.”
“And I need to speak with the principals about the ‘Property Damage”.
Giving Sunset a knowing glare, Twilight left the room after Rainbow, followed by Spike, Fluttershy, and Rarity with Pinkie bringing the rear.
Until Pinkie and Rarity turned to wait for Applejack.
“Come along, dear. I’m sure those two have much to talk about.
“Yeah. It’s gonna be all mushy and…”
Just then, Rainbow Dash through her arms around them.
“Come on, you two! Applejack needs to stay to give some honest advice to them. Ain’t that right, Applejack?”
Rainbow winked at Applejack, that confused Sunset but Crimson understood.
She must have figured it out.
“That’s right. We have some things to sort out that only Applejack can help us with."
Rarity and Pinkie blinked in confusion before Rainbow took them away leaving Sunset to close the door.
They were all silent as the awkwardness hung in the air. Crimson had a hard time finding a good place to start while Applejack sat on a bed waiting for the inevitable.
Sunset was confused and bored while loathing the awkward silence.
“Man, when Twilight shot that glare at me about the property damage, I was sure she was gonna chew me out about using my Kamehameha within the city, not to mention my transformation.”
Sunset’s laugh put a smile on everyones face, causing Applejack to look at them.
“You and me both. Ah caused my share of damage, the worst being crating ah huge pit where half ah football field should be.”
Everyone laughed as Cloud moved to stand between the two woman.
“I’m surprised to hear that ‘Rainbow Dash’ took her fight out of town. She’s the property damage queen.”
Applejack joined them in the middle of the room, laughing.
“Ah think that title goes ta Twilight herself at this point. The damage she did when she transformed is crazy.”
Sunset moved to join them, sitting on a bed as she was still bang up.
“Is she now? That explains why we didn’t get a lecture.”
The mood changed, Cloud felt bad about ruining it.”
“I need to tell you both what happened when I was in that ‘coma’."
Sunset watched eagerly while Applejack looked on with dread.
“I say ‘coma’ because that’s as close to the truth as I could get. The moment I was knocked out, I found my self reliving a moment in my past, suffering through a humiliating time."
Sunset processed the info while Applejack grew curious.
“What moment were ya relivin?”
Crimson looked at Sunset with a smile, causing Applejack to regret asking.
“The moment before meeting Sunset.”
Sunset looked up and saw Cloud smiling at her, making her blush, despite herself before asking him.
“Does that mean meeting me was humiliating?”
That caused Crimson to stutter and make Applejack laugh.
“No! Not at all!. The memory was manipulated to keep me imprisoned in that state.”
That got Applejacks attention.
“Wait, how did someone manipulate yer memories? Fer that matter, why would they want ta keep ya from wakin up?”
“At the time, he was cloaked in a shadowy aura but he eventually revealed himself as Crimeson Clutter, my Inner Demon.”
Sunset’s eyes shot open.
“The same thing happened to me!”
They both turned to Sunset, shocked.
“What?”
“When did YOU fall asleep?”
Looking between Applejack and Cloud, Sunset explained.
“Not the sleeping part, but when I was fighting Somrek. He claimed that Tirek had power over the darkest part of a demons soul, but when he merged with Sombra, that power extended to living people souls as well. He used it on me when I got caught up in how powerful I had gotten.”
Resting her gaze on Cloud, she frowned.
“I almost failed in avenging you.”
Crimson smiled then looked at Applejack, who had a sad look on. Cloud reach over and placed his hand on her shoulder, prompting her to look at him.
“Hang in there. Believe me, I know how hard this is for you, but we need to address this before we can move forward.”
Looking into his eyes, Applejack knew he was being truthful. making her smile.
Now ah know why people don’t like talkin ta me, bein truthful hurts.
Nodding her understanding, they both turned to see a look on Sunset’s face that said, “Care to fill me in?” making Cloud chuckle.
“Don’t worry, we’ll get to it. You were saying?”
Looking from Cloud to Applejack, Sunset accepted his answer and continued.
“Anyway, when he used the spell on me, my Inner Demon appeared and called herself Sinset Shammer and she was just as strong as I was at Super Saiyan 3.”
“Sweet Applesauce! That explains how we could sense two of ya, because there was!”
I love that countryism of hers.
“That does sound like what happened to me. Crimeson was just as strong as me when I went Kaioken x100.”
Applejack noticed something off.
“But, wait, when did he take control of yer Inner Demon? The only time he used anythin energy related on ya was when ya intercepted his attack.”
Cloud nodded.
“That’s what I came to as well. After all, he intended to hit Sunset with that attack, hoping to get control of Sinset before he killed you.”
That’s when Sunset remembered something.
“Wasn’t Rainbow hit with that attack?”
They all looked at each other then at the door before Applejack spoke.
“Ya'll don’t think…Rainbow…?”
Cloud stood up.
“if she is we need to…”
“Leave young Rainbow Dash to me…”
Startled, everyone looked to see Zecora standing up.
“…while you focus on you three.”
Happy to see her friend and mentor, Sunset was about to stand up only to have Zecora place her hand on her shoulder, encouraging her to stay seated with a smile. Cloud sat down as well.
“What happened to Crimeson?”
“Your demon is locked away, for now, I must see to Rainbow Dash. Chow.”
With that, she left the room, leaving everyone feeling better about Rainbow Dash.
“Rainbow’s in safe hands. Zecora has been a great help to me in…a lot of ways.”
Sunset was looking at Crimson as she said that, making him blush again.
“Ah, yeah. I agree. She helped me with Crimeson. Besides, she was right about us needing to focus on us.”
“Okay, can one of you please tell me what IS wrong? Because I seem to be out of the loop here.”
Cloud and Applejack looked at each other before Applejack closed her eyes.
“The problems with…”
“Me.”
Applejack and Sunset looked at Cloud.
“Cloud, no! It’s me that…”
“I disagree, Applejack.”
Sunset was getting so ticked her eyebrow twitched.
“Will someone just tell me what the problem is!”
They looked at Sunset before Cloud spoke.
“I’m in love with you, Sunset.”
Sunset’s heart skipped a beat as she looked into Cloud’s eyes, seeing the truth.
“I….I..fail to see how that’s a problem.”
“Because ah’m in love with Cloud.”
Sunset looked at Applejack wide eyed.
“……..oh….”
The awkward silence returned with a vengeance. After a few painful seconds Applejack brook the silence.
“How long have ya known?”
Cloud took a deep breath.
“Deep down, I’ve probably always knew. It wasn’t until Crimeson tried to use it against me in an attempt to make me go back to who I was before meeting Sunset, that I finally noticed.”
The silence returned, until Sunset remembered something.
“That explains what happened when you reset my arm.”
With that Applejack made to leave the room making Cloud stand up.
“Applejack, wait!”
Applejack got to the door, her hand on the doorknob.
“I know what you’re going through. Seeing the person you love with someone else is painful to see.”
Sunset thought back to when she had been with Flash, short lived as it was.
“Please, I can understand how you…”
“No, ya can’t.”
Cloud felt like he was struck by a fist.
“Ya think ya can understand? How can you, when the person ya love is with someone who loves them back….”
Applejack turned to Cloud, tears streaming down her face.
“…and ya know for certain that their meant fer each other?”
Cloud couldn’t look Applejack in the eye letting her open the door.
“Ah’m happy fer ya both, ah truly am. Ah just need time ta….accept it.”
Applejack walked out the room, closing the door behind her.
“…….well, that sucked.”
Cloud really didn’t want to, but couldn’t keep himself from smiling before turning to see Sunset still sitting on the bed.
“Thank you for pointing that out.”
“You’re welcome.”
Adding a light chuckle to his smile, Cloud made his way to the same bed Sunset was on and sat down, releasing a heavy breath before placing his head in his hands.
Sunset smiled as she watched Cloud relax.
Even now, he proves how strong he is.
“I’m in love with you, Cloud.”
Lifting his head up from his hands, Cloud had owl like eyes when he looked into Sunset’s, making her giggle.
That look of surprises is adorable.
“You’re not just saying that, are you? To help me feel better?”
Sunset lend closer to him.
“Does it look like I am?”
Cloud leaned in to get a closer look and what he saw confused him. Suddenly, Cloud felt her lips on his and arms wrap around his neck.
It was then that he figured out she was kissing him.
Having never kissed before, Cloud just did what felt natural by kissing her back, allowing her tongue to play with his. They moved their bodies closer, Sunset ignoring the pain and focusing on the excitement kissing Cloud was giving her, especially after he placed his hands on her hips. They broke the kiss and just looked into each others eyes, reassuring each other the reason behind that kiss promoting Cloud to reach up and placed his hand on the side of her face, causing Sunset to giggle.
“What are you doing?”
“What feels right. Just go with it.”
Sunset laughed as she did the same, having to agree with him.
Rough, like him. I love it.
Sunset and Cloud were lost, looking into each other’s eyes, as the morning sun shone through the window indicating the end of their hardest night to date and into the greatest moment of their lives.
Author's Note
The song that played during Crimson's memory was Untitled by Simple Plan.
This is my first story that I've posted so I ask you to keep that in mine should you want to leave a comment.
Creative criticism is always appreciated.
Thank you for reading my story.
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