As chaos and death overtook the streets of Canterlot, Princess Celestia dwelled deep inside her hidden labs. Joining her was Smart Ass, her head scientist, as well as one of her royal guards: Spare Parts.

“You have done well to keep the nuisance contained,” said Princess Celestia, methodically sipping a cup of tea, “though I cannot say I approve of losing a Squadron in doing so. Even still, these are trying times - as I’m sure you are aware. Due to the…” she stifled a smile, “...problematic nature of the Dragon assault, your infiltration duties have been suspended.”

Secret Agent Parts replied with a silent salute, his gaze held forward. Nearby, Smart Ass was hastily fumbling through documents and machinery. After reading through a certain document, he seemed to settle down with a small nod to himself.

“All’s ready, your highness,” said Ass. He levitated a metallic pair of saddlebags over to himself, and then across to Parts. Still using only magic, Ass strapped them onto Parts. “I imagine you’ll wish to do the honours.”

“Indeed I shall,” Princess Celestia nodded. She walked a few steps closer to Parts, leaned over him, and pressed a red button on the apex of the bags.

Parts gasped sharply, his eyes suddenly wide, as needles attached to the bags stabbed into his sides. The gasp became a scream as several more penetrated his spine. His body began to warp and change before the two’s very eyes. As this went on, the bags began their second function, folding out across its host’s body and covering him in layers of armoured metal plates. When all was complete, what stood before Princess Celestia was a creature first of its kind: A mere head shorter than the usually towering Princess, and a bulking body to match, with layers of dark armour cascading down its figure… the first Legion had been born.

“Now then,” Princess Celestia set down her cup of tea, “go kill Lord Torch - and that useless trite you called a leader too, if you see him.”

Wordlessly, the Legion turned to the exit and began its march.

Cloud, Kufn and Night Light rushed through the city streets. Their target was Canterlot Castle, and time was short. If the war alone wasn’t pressing enough, the quickly bleeding Mawr atop Kufn’s back gave them not a moment to spare. Blazes and screams passed overhead. The ground shook, pummeled by the steps of gargantuan beasts. Through all this, only one thought held in Cloud’s mind: I’m desperately close to seeing my dear friend again…

A Dragon suddenly crashed onto the ground in front of them. Cloud gritted his teeth. And nothing is going to stand in my way! Cloud summoned a Support Circle, flying up and ahead to the Dragon’s face. He conjured an orb of water, and launched it at the Dragon - but it was swiftly dodged.

Kufn had tossed Mawr into the arms of Night Light and dashed forward with Riptide drawn between his teeth. He stabbed into the ankles of the Dragon, making it rawr and falter for but a second - the only second Cloud needed. He launched another orb of water, soaking its face and eyes, before blasting away with his electrical beam and frying the beast’s brain. With a blind slash of its claws, the Dragon felt a nearby house and tossed it like a baseball. Night Light lit up his horn and blasted the house with an arcane bolt of dark light, blowing it to pieces.

The Dragon wrenched its eyes back open, intent on mauling its prey, only to see Cloud flying down to Kufn, Night Light and Mawr, wrenching them onto his circle with a telekinetic tug, then whizzing away through the air towards the castle. The Dragon bellowed in anger and took chase. It bulldozed through buildings blocking its path until it leapt and took to the sky, quickly catching up to them.

Night Light held up a hoof, signalling to the others that he would handle it. Turning to face the Dragon, he focused magic and built up a ball of dark light at the end of his horn, turning everything around them a funky, neon colour. He launched it at the Dragon, who scoffed and flew directly into it - only for it to bore into its chest and explode next to its heart. The Dragon’s body fell, crushing a bus stop.

“Flying?” Night Light said to himself. “More like…” He pulled out a pair of sunglasses. “...catch a bus.”

“[Wow,]” said Kufn. “[I once dated a sapient vacuum cleaner, and that one liner sucked even harder.]”

Night Light, not knowing Saddline, nodded in agreement and went for a bro-hoof, which Kufn returned.

“[I’ve never dated an appliance,]” chimed in Cloud, “[but that probably blowed like a fan.]”

Night Light, not knowing Saddline, nodded in agreement and went for a bro-hoof, which Cloud returned.

Cloud and Kufn exchanged a look.

Twilight had finally made it to the castle. Though Pinkie and Buttershy had stayed back at Twilight’s tower, the rest of the Spirits of Harmony had joined her.

The four of them burst through into the entryway and finally stopped to catch their breath. All except for Applejack, who appeared to be perfectly fine and content.

“Here we are,” Applejack purred. “Only a little farther to go from here. So, straight to the throne room, or do we have any other matters to take care of?” She received no answer, as Twilight was too breathless. “Well?” She asked again. “What happens now?”

“What happens now is you give me that crystal!” The four Spirits suddenly found themselves surrounded by Thestrals and Changelings aiming their spears at them. Princess Luna walked from the shadows, a burning righteousness in her eyes. “I warned you, Sparkle, to obey what I commanded of you. I know what you plan, and I will never let that spell see the light of the moon again!”

Before Twilight could reply, Applejack tossed her hat onto Princess Luna’s face, grabbed the closest spear, rammed it into the snout of the soldier holding it and snatched it for herself. She turned quickly, deflecting the strikes of the incoming spears with her own, before burying it in the chest of its original owner.

“This way!” Applejack called, grabbing Twilight and running through the small gap she’d created. Twilight found herself running alongside her before even being able to register what just happened.

Princess Luna threw the hat to the ground with a snarl. “After them, you foals!” The small army obeyed, charging after the duo. Princess Luna turned to the two left behind.

“Oh dear…” Mumbled Gumbeepie. He one joining her said nothing.

“You two are coming with me…”

Cloud and co. reached a high window at the Canterlot Castle. Kufn did the honors of breaking it open with Riptide, and the three men - and the incapacited Mawr - were finally inside. They were in a T-shaped hallway, with three paths before them.

“What now?” Asked Kufn. “What is plan from here?”

“Yeah, this is about the extent Mawr told me,” said Cloud. He turned to Night. “I’d guess find Luna?”

“Princess Luna,” Night corrected him, “and yes, we’re to go straight to her.”

“Cool,” Cloud nodded. “We can get to that after we help Mawr.”

Night frowned. “Excuse me?”

“I’ve only been here once before, but I know this floor is where the infirmary is. I doubt we’ll find a doctor, but we might be able to find a healing potion at the very least.”

“Ugh, fine, we’ll drop her off somewhere, but this better not take too long...”

Author's Note

Night Light's magical element is 'dark light'. He used to be an apprentice at a photography shop in his teen years but the store went out of business when magical cameras were released that act like digital cameras. He met his wife at a part time job at a rave where he was making everything funky coloured.

Until further notice, this is the last chapter. I cannot stay a part of this community in its current state. If I return, I'll continue. If not, I may continue elsewhere, most likely my AO3 account. This chapter was going to be quite long and wrap up the arc, but I just don't have it in me to keep going and I don't want to stay active on this site any longer than I have to.

I'm sad things ended this way. It's been fun.

Goodbye Fimfic.